Named after Mu Alpha Theta's first African American President, these awards will honor a student and a chapter who have worked to bring underrepresented individuals and groups into their Mu Alpha Theta chapter.

Lisa C. Herron, served as Mu Alpha Theta President in 2018 to 2022.  Lisa is currently the AP and Cambridge Testing Coordinator at Cypress Bay High School in Weston, FL. A math educator for 32 years, she has taught all levels of mathematics from General Mathematics to Pre-Calculus. Lisa also has taught Cambridge Thinking Skills and Cambridge Information Technology and currently trains teachers nationwide in these two subjects. Throughout her career, Lisa has achieved numerous awards and accolades, including speaking at the NCTM Regional conference in St. Louis, having the Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona visit her classroom as part of the nation’s only FBI CyberSTEM program and being selected as Cypress Bay High School’s Teacher of the year for 2022-23. Also in 2023, Lisa was one of four teachers awarded the State of Florida Educator of Excellence Award and was recognized at a reception in the Governor’s Mansion. Lisa’s love for mathematics began at an early age, and she was inducted as a member of the Coral Springs High School chapter of Mu Alpha Theta in 1984. Lisa became the sponsor of the Cypress Bay Mu Alpha Theta chapter in 2006 and served in that position until 2022. She currently serves as an advisor and chaperone for the chapter. Lisa has served as the Region V director for the Florida Association of Mu Alpha Theta and was also the FAMAT Vice-President for State Conventions.

The Lisa C. Herron Award will be awarded to one student and one chapter who have demonstrated contributions to and appreciation for underrepresented students in the area(s) of racial or ethnic diversity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

The student award will include a $5,000 cash prize and a distinguished plaque.  The cash prize may be sent to a college or university or directly to the winner.

The chapter award will include a $2,500 cash prize and a distinguished plaque. 

Student applicants must be in their current graduation year, and must have been an active member of Mu Alpha Theta at their school for at least one full school year. Any Mu Alpha Theta member graduating from high school or two-year college who is continuing their education may apply. Post-secondary school includes college or university. The recipient may not be awarded any other Mu Alpha Theta award. The student must be working to increase opportunities for women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ community, or individuals with disabilities to be a part of Mu Alpha Theta.

Chapter applicants must have been an active member of Mu Alpha Theta for at least one full school year.  The winning school may not be awarded any other Mu Alpha Theta award in the same year. The chapter must be working to increase opportunities for women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ community, or individuals with disabilities to be a part of Mu Alpha Theta.

The award applications will be read and scored by members of the Mu Alpha Theta award reading team. The scholarship reading team expects applicants to communicate lived experiences, learned experiences, and intentions that have led to better representation of underrepresented groups within Mu Alpha Theta. Application scores will be based on quality of application content and applicant communication.

Application requirements:

• Completion of the online application on the Mu Alpha Theta awards portal
• A letter of recommendation from the chapter’s school administration
• A letter of recommendation from the chapter's Mu Alpha Theta sponsor or other faculty member
• An essay of 500-800 words to the following prompt:
  • Describe your distinct experiences and contributions to better align Mu Alpha Theta and the students it serves with the demographics of our nation and your community. Examples of possible experiences and contributions include, but are not limited to, working with local community organizations, volunteering, and participating in other school organizations with similar goals. 
• Optional: Relevant pictures/videos/media showing your leadership in this area.
• Full submission by the award deadline of February 1