A Legacy of Learning

The Life and Impact of Johnny Hill

Authors

Abstract

In the following pages, we celebrate the life and legacy of Johnny F. Hill (1936–2025), a distinguished mathematics educator whose career spanned more than five decades in Ohio and beyond. Known for his passion for teaching, dedication to problem solving, and commitment to student-centered learning, Johnny inspired countless students, teachers, and colleagues. In the following, we share essays, personal stories, and recollections from those who knew him best. Together, the artifacts vividly illustrate Johnny’s influence as an innovator in mathematics education, an enthusiastic mentor, and a steadfast friend. Above all, this collection attests to the profound and lasting impact of Johnny Hill, whose warmth, curiosity, and belief in others continue to ripple through the mathematics education community.

Author Biographies

David Kullman, Miami University (Retired)

David Kullman is Professor Emeritus of Mathematics at Miami University, where he served for 40 years until retiring in 2008. At Miami he taught calculus, geometry, history of mathematics, and courses in mathematics education. He also served as Department Chair. After retiring, Dr. Kullman served as Executive Director of the Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics. He now resides in Bradenton, Florida.

Jeff Wanko, Bradley University

Jeffrey J. Wanko is the Dean of the College of Education and Health Sciences at Bradley University. Dr. Wanko’s research and teaching focus on mathematical problem solving, logic puzzles, proof, and the integration of inquiry-based approaches in mathematics teacher education. He has published widely in journals such as Mathematics Teacher and Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School, and has presented at numerous national and international conferences.

Suzanne Harper, Miami University

Suzanne Harper is a professor in the Department of Mathematics at Miami University. Her research interests include the use of technology in K–12 mathematics education, content knowledge development for prospective mathematics teachers, mathematical creativity, problem solving and posing, and the teaching and learning of geometry.

Michael Todd Edwards, Miami University

Todd Edwards is a Professor of Mathematics Education and Armstrong Professor of Education, Health, and Society, is the editor of the Ohio Journal of School Mathematics. He is the co-director and founder of the Technology Educator Alliance (TEA). His research interests focus on the teaching and learning of school mathematics with GenAI and writing as a vehicle to learn mathematics at all levels of instruction.

References

Wesson, J. B. (Writer & Producer), Vaughn, J. (Producer & Director), & Southwestern Ohio Instructional Television Association. (ca. 1980s). Geometry, Grade 7 [TV series episode]. In Action Mathematics. State of Ohio Department of Education.

Downloads

Published

2025-07-29

How to Cite

Kullman, D., Wanko, J., Harper, S., & Edwards, M. T. (2025). A Legacy of Learning: The Life and Impact of Johnny Hill. hio ournal of chool athematics, 100(1), 1–13. etrieved from http://voyager.janeway.systems:9999/index.php/OJSM/article/view/10604

Issue

Vol. 100: Summer 2025

Section

Articles

License

By submitting this agreement, the author hereby grants to The Ohio State University, on behalf of its University Libraries