Fresno Pacific University has appointed two faculty members to endowed chairs supported by the AIMS Center for Math and Science Education.
Jeremiah Reusch, M.A., has been named as the AIMS Chair in Mathematics for a two-year term. Reusch joins existing AIMS Chair in Science, Michael Kunz, Ph.D., who was first appointed as the AIMS Chair in Science in 1997, and has held that position concurrently since that time. Both men were honored at a recent reception held on November 17, 2025, in the Ashley Auditorium, located at the FPU main campus, 1717 S. Chestnut Ave., Fresno.
FPU President André Stephens, Ph.D., opened the reception with remarks thanking AIMS for the work they are doing in the education field. He remarked that when first stepping foot on the FPU campus with his wife, First Lady Beth Stephens, she immediately noticed the AIMS building, recognizing it from her time as a 4th and 5th grade teacher in the LA Unified School District. “AIMS has influenced thousands of educators,” Stephens said, “not only here in the Central Valley, but also throughout our state and country.”
Up next to the podium was FPU Provost Alison R. Noble, Ph.D. She too noted the wide reach of AIMS by referencing a colleague that was visiting from Pennsylvania who noted she used AIMS curriculum in her teaching. Noble noted the impact AIMS has had on education, changing lives here in the Valley as well as across the country.
Noble then turned her attention to honoring the recipients of the endowed chairs.
Jeremiah Reusch is in his fourth year at FPU and comes from a background in K-12 education. Noble noted his high level of commitment to students and his role in shaping mathematics at FPU. “Jeremiah brings to the university a unique blend of content knowledge, pedagogical skill and interdisciplinary STEAM experience,” Noble said.
STEAM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.
Noble then quoted Quentin Kinnison, Ph.D., dean of the School of Arts and Sciences in his description of Reusch. “Jeremiah’s passion for helping students succeed is inspiring,” said Kinnison. “He has created a dynamic classroom experience that draws students into mathematics education and helps them to overcome their fears.”
Next, Noble acknowledged Michael Kunz, noting he has worked at FPU for nearly four decades, beginning as an adjunct in 1986. “Michael Kunz has embodied the mission and spirit of Fresno Pacific University through his scholarship, faith and ongoing commitment to students,” Noble said.
She again quoted from Kinnison in reference to Kunz. “Michael Kunz is a kind and caring soul who cares for the environment and the people who live in our world,” said Kinnison. “His passion inspires students to see themselves as advocates and stewards of God’s creation.”
The reception concluded by recognizing the generous support of the AIMS Center for supporting the endowments for these two chair positions.
The AIMS Center for Math and Science Education is a non-profit organization located on the FPU main campus in southeast Fresno. AIMS connects classrooms to communities through fun and interactive STEAM experiences.