Writing and teaching blend for math professor

LAWTON, Okla. (AP) -- Ioannis K. Argyros, a professor of mathematical sciences at Cameron University, is a disciplined man who carefully divides his time between countless editing, writing and research activities in addition to his daily teaching duties.

This division of time has resulted in the publication of eight mathematics textbooks in 10 years, a remarkable record of nearly a textbook a year.

His latest book, "Advances in the Efficiency of Computational Methods and Applications," has just been published by World Scientific Publishing Company and is the eighth textbook Argyros has written since he joined the Cameron faculty in 1990.

Argyros also has written more than 250 research manuscripts and presented more than 60 lectures at American and European scientific meetings.

Additionally, he edits four math related journals, including the Southwest Journal of Pure and Applied Mathematics, which he funded at Cameron. Other journals Argyros edits include the Journal of Computational Analysis and Applications, Korean Journal of Computational and Applied Mathematics and Advances in Nonlinear Variational Inequalities.

Argyros said he enjoys writing and teaching and believes the two fields complement each other.

"Math requires a lot of discipline, and you have to be organized," he said. "Writing and teaching go together and complement each other, and I receive satisfaction from both of them."

Argyros' books are based on his own research and are all aimed at upper level and graduate classes. Currently, he is researching for his next textbook.

Argyros was born in Athens, Greece and earned his bachelor of science degree from the University of Athens. He came to the United States in 1982 to begin his postgraduate studies at the University of Georgia in Athens.

When he arrived in the United States, he was amazed to learn that he had moved from one Athens to another.

"I couldn't believe it when I got there," he said. "I came 6,000 miles and found myself at another Athens."

He remained at the University of Georgia for the next two years, earning a master's and a doctorate in mathematics in record time.

After finishing his doctoral work, Argyros taught at the University of Iowa. However, after two years there Argros knew he wanted to move on.

"It was too cold there. I survived, but I wanted to live where it was warmer," he said with a smile. His desire for a warmer climate led him to Mew Mexico State University, where he taught for four years before deciding it was time, once again to move on.

"Since I was relatively new to this country. I felt I needed to move around so I could get to know the country," he said. "I felt traveling and changing places was important for me and for my career. Now, though I've done it, and I think I will probably retire here at Cameron."

Argyros said the direction of his life was deeply influenced by the academic traditions of his native country and by the standards maintained in his parents' home.

"The Greek culture has a great tradition in analytical thinking and mathematics is very important there," he said. "And my parents also tried very hard to influence me in the right direction. They gave me great motivation."

He said he also has been influenced by the late Hungarian mathematician Paul Erdos and by American mathematicians Kendall Atkinson, Edward Azoof and Douglas Clark.

Argyros' wife, Diana, is also from Greece. Last year they became parents for the first time. Their two sons are Michael and Gus.

Argyros tries to return to Greece every two years or so and is looking forward to the time he can bring his new sons there for a visit.

Argyros said he enjoys working with his Cameron students and hopes eventually his department will offer postgraduate degrees.

"I try to do my best for my students and for the university,"

he said. "I try to help the students as much as I can. It's a nice feeling, almost like being a parent. You know you are doing something important."