Forest Fisch
Forest Norland Fisch (July 6, 1918 - April 16, 2002) was an American mathematics educator and professor of mathematics at the University of Northern Colorado.
Early Life and Academic Background
Forest was born July 6, 1918, in Cope, Colorado, to Jess and Agnes Fisch and graduated with a bachelor's degree in mathematics from the Colorado State College of Education (now the University of Northern Colorado) in 1940. During World War II, he served in the Navy and taught naval correspondence, naval law, and navigation at Fort Schuyler, New York. The experience led him to return to pursue a career in teaching.
Forest earned a master's degree from Colorado State College of Education (probably 1946 or 1947) and by 1952 began doctoral studies starting doctoral studies while still at CSC at the George Peabody College for Teachers, now part of Vanderbilt University. He took a year of leave in 1953-1954, presumably to focus on doctoral studies, and was listed as a Peabody graduate student in CSC's course catalog through 1962-1963.
Professional Career
Forest joined the faculty at Colorado State College of Education in 1947 as an assistant professor of mathematics and was promoted to associate professor by 1952 and to full professor in 1969. He retired in 1980 after 33 years of service. He was appointed chair of the UNC Department of Mathematics in 1967 and served in that position until 1970 when he was succeeded by Donald Elliott.
Forest was very active in professional organizations. In 1950 he organized and formed the Colorado Council of Teachers of Mathematics (CCTM), an affiliate of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Forest served two terms as CCTM president. Forest also served as governor of the Rocky Mountain Section of the Mathematics Association of America. In 1975, he served as the local arrangements chair of the NCTM Annual Meeting, which was held in Denver that year.
Forest Fisch Distinguished Service Award
CCTM's highest award, given in recognition of a lifetime of service to mathematics education in Colorado, is named for Forest Fisch. In recognition of his service, he was named the first recipient.