Mathematics has always been in Dr. Scott Champan’s milieu. His father, Morris E. Chapman, taught mathematics at Baldwin High School for three decades, spanning from 1950 to 1981. Chapman explains, “As my two older sisters were both mathematics majors in college, it is pretty clear that his influence pushed the three of us toward mathematics. I actually went to college thinking I would go to law school, but the mathematics classes came much more easily to me than those geared more toward law, so I think I ended up doing what was really meant for me.”
After graduating Baldwin High School, Chapman went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Political Science from Wake Forest University; Master of Science in Mathematics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics from the University of North Texas.
Chapman now works at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, where he serves as Scholar in Residence, Distinguished Professor of Mathematics, and Texas State University System Regents Professor. In addition to teaching mathematics in the classroom, much of his time is spent conducting and supporting research into mathematics. He is Editor-Emeritus of the American Mathematical Monthly, the world’s most read mathematics journal, as well as Editor in Chief of Communications in Algebra, and associate editor for several other publications. Dr. Chapman explains, “Journal editing comprises a large part of each day where I review papers, send them to Associate Editors for final decisions, and then coordinate with the Production Office for preparation of the final copy. I also am involved in research, mainly in algebra and publish papers in journals, conference proceedings, and specific edited volumes.”
Chapman thrives on the problem-solving mathematics offers. He notes, “I have always liked challenges, and everyday in mathematics is a challenge. Even after successfully completing a project, there is always another unsolved/open problem to work on. Mentoring students through their first research projects is a great joy to me, and watching these students mature and grow is the ultimate measure of my career success.”
While a student at Baldwin High School, Dr. Chapman was involved in a wide variety of extracurricular activities. He recalls, “My father kept the scorebook at the men’s basketball games, and from a very early age I spent my Tuesday and Friday nights at Baldwin basketball. I was the manager and kept statistics all through my high school years. It was hard then to get into the playoffs, you had to win your Section Championship. My final two years we did win and go to the playoffs – thanks in large part to the three people who nominated me for the Hall of Fame (Rege O’Keefe, George Kachulis, and Mike Valdiserri). My senior year, we played General Braddock in the playoffs at the Civic Arena and won 64-62 on a last second shot by John Marquis. I vividly remember the celebration on the court. It was really a great and memorable evening and I had on a brand new leisure suit.”
In addition to his athletic pursuits, Dr. Chapman has fond memories of treading the boards while a student at BHS. He explains, “I was the male lead in Annie Get Your Gun my senior year. Closing night was sold out and I don’t think I have ever been so nervous in my life. The late Robyn Ross was the female lead (Annie Oakley) and she was absolutely terrific. Many people thought she would end up on Broadway. Thinking back, just being on the same stage with her was an honor.”
It wasn’t only the academic foundation he received at BHS that prepared him for his career, but the values his teachers instilled. Chapman shares, “Many of the faculty during my years at Baldwin were World War II or Korean War Vets. I think this group had a high sense of duty and honor, not just to their country, but to the Baldwin High School Community. I think I have carried this community work ethic with me through my academic career. The true measure of your worth is not necessary what you have achieved, but the positive impact it has had on others.”
Chapman encourages students, “Don’t ever limit what you want to do. Hearing ‘no’ is a part of life and your true test as a person is how you respond to it.” Chapman embodied this attitude of undeterred ambition while a student at BHS. He relates, “In the fall of 1976, Baldwin Alum (and Hall of Famer) Orrin Hatch was elected to the U.S. Senate from Utah. I went to see the Principal (Mr. Bruni) and indicated that we should invite him to be the commence speaker that coming spring. Mr. Bruni laughed and told me kind of jokingly to invite him. Well, I got on the phone in the Basketball Coach’s Office that afternoon and did. I spoke with one of his aides in Washington and he indicated that he would pass the invitation along. A fairly long period of time passed (I figured my phone call message was buried somewhere), but suddenly his office called the district and informed them he wanted to come. The rest is history. This was not just a vivid memory for me – I spoke with Mr. Bruni during COVID, and this is one of the first things he brought up with me.”
Dr. Chapman will be inducted as a Distinguished Highlander at the Distinguished Highlander Alumni Hall of Fame & Awards Gala on March 21, 2026.