Dr. J.C. Eaves’s life passion was encouraging and expanding the study of mathematics throughout Kentucky and beyond. He educated generations of UK students as a faculty member in the Department of Mathematics and Astronomy, and also served as chair of the department from 1953 to 1963. His commitment to mathematics education never waned, and today his legacy lives on thanks to the generosity of James C. Eaves, Jr. '68 and Mary Gilpin Eaves '72, his son and daughter-in-law. The Eaveses have greatly strengthened the undergraduate program in mathematics by creating rich opportunities for students and inspired student discovery and achievement, the foundation to their future success.

The Dr. J.C. Eaves Undergraduate Excellence in Mathematics Endowment Fund has supported a myriad of undergraduate learning and enrichment activities in the Department of Mathematics, including undergraduate summer research, the Math Club, student travel to professional conferences, stipends for undergraduate teaching assistants, and the annual Dr. J.C. Eaves Lecture Series. This event brings some of the foremost experts within the field of mathematics to the UK campus; previous speakers can be found here. 

Established in 2004, the Dr. J.C. Eaves Scholarship provides financial assistance to juniors and seniors majoring in Mathematics who graduated from high schools in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. This scholarship has helped over 73 students pursue their undergraduate degrees in mathematics by alleviating financial burdens and accelerating their pathway to a degree.

In the news:

Scholarship Honors Former Math Professor's Legacy at UK
UKNow - June 21, 2017
By: Jennifer Allen

J.C. Eaves Math Endowment Multiplies Opportunities In Kentucky
Kentucky Alumni Magazine (PDF)