As a faculty member in MSU’s Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Jacob Tschume savors the moments his students begin understanding daunting formulas and abstract concepts.

“Helping students—being able to see their light bulb click—is what I love most,” he said.

Tschume first joined the Bulldog family as a student in 2007. His love for math and helping others led to bachelor’s and master’s degrees on the path toward his teaching career.

After more than a decade of instruction and being recognized with one of the university’s most prestigious faculty honors in 2022—becoming a John Grisham Master Teacher—Tschume enjoys a wide range of courses that allow him to teach a wide variety of concepts at different levels.

He covers algebra to upper-level calculus, as well as a servant leadership class for Luckyday Scholars, a cohort of exemplary students committed to leadership, strong work ethic and community stewardship skills.

“I can go from a classroom of engineers who all understand math to stepping back and teaching students who don’t like math at all,” he said. “My favorite area of math to teach is linear algebra. It’s one of those classes that takes a lot of getting used to, so when it does click and students start understanding, that’s when I know I have done my job.”

Though his classes are very large, with hundreds of students under his instruction each semester, he has a reputation for doing whatever it takes to help his students succeed. He understands that many are somewhat apprehensive about their required mathematics courses, but his teaching approach helps them build confidence. While he is known as a challenging teacher who does not cut corners and who upholds rigorous standards, his students gain the advantage of performing above average in their subsequent courses.

Tschume is working on a Ph.D. in higher education leadership through MSU’s College of Education and assists MSU Athletics with sports statistics. When away from work, he enjoys traveling with his wife, Shelby, who is employed in the Office of the Provost, and playing with their dog, Reba.