Dr. Arthur Benjamin, a highly-credentialed mathematician who is also a masterfully-skilled magician, will speak at Chattanooga State Community College on Friday, March 30. His presentation, entitled “Mathemagics,” begins at 10 a.m. in the Humanities Theatre, which is located on the college’s main campus at 4501 Amnicola Highway. Dr. Bejamin’s lecture is open to the public, and admission is free.

Possessing an extraordinary aptitude for rapidly computing complicated numerical problems, Benjamin is able to mentally solve mathematical calculations faster than a calculator. He combines his sharp intellect with his love for magic to educate audiences about the power and relevance of mathematics.

Benjamin’s educational accomplishments are impressive. He is a 1983 graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics. He continued his academic pursuits at Johns Hopkins University, ultimately completing work towards two graduate degrees. In 1985 and in 1989, Johns Hopkins awarded Benjamin a M.S.E. and a Ph.D. respectively. Currently, Benjamin is a professor of mathematics at Harvey Mudd College, which is located in Claremont, California, and recognized as one of the nation’s premier institutions for educating scientists, mathematicians, and engineers.

Hailed as “America’s Best Math Whiz” by Reader’s Digest, Benjamin gained national popularity after a lecture he presented at the 2005 TED Conference became a YouTube sensation. Internationally recognized for his genius and integrity, Benjamin frequently receives invitations to appear on television. His television experience includes guest appearances on NBC’s Today Show, expert commentary during various CNN broadcasts, and an interview on Comedy Central’s Colbert Report.

Benjamin’s dynamic personality, which is underscored by his commitment to education, positions him as a preferred guest for radio talk shows, most notably programs airing on National Public Radio (NPR). Additionally, Benjamin has been the focus of feature stories written for national newspapers and periodicals. His unique talents have been profiled by prestigious publications such as the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, USA Today, Scientific American, Discover Magazine, Omni Magazine, Esquire Magazine, People Magazine, Wired, and Reader's Digest.

For more information about Dr. Arthur Benjamin and his presentation on Friday, March 30, contact Mary Knaff by email at mary.knaff@chattanoogastate.edu or by telephone at 423.697.3371 or Phyllis Mescon by email at phyllis.mescon@chattanoogastate.edu or by telephone at 423.697.3380. Information about Dr. Benjamin’s lecture is also available on the college’s website at www.chattanoogastate.edu. For information about Chattanooga State Community College and its educational programs, call the Chattanooga State information hotline at 423.697.4404 or toll free at 1.866.547.3733. Information is available at on the Chattanooga State website at www.chattanoogastate.edu, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ChattState?ref=ts, and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/#!/ChattStateCC.

Chattanooga State Community College is a comprehensive, regionally-accredited community college, governed by the policies and guidelines as set forth by the Tennessee Board of Regents. Chattanooga State’s mission is to transform the lives of individuals and to develop the capacities of the business and industrial communities through technical and postsecondary education. Founded in 1965, the college serves a six-county area in Southeast Tennessee and offers more than 50 educational programs.