Ping-Tung Chang

1935 - 2016

Dr. Ping-Tung "Paul" Chang, 80, peacefully passed away in his sleep on the morning of March 10, 2016, at Sunrise Manor in Palmer, Alaska. Dr. Chang, or PT as he liked to be called, was born on Oct. 16, 1935, in China. He graduated from National Taiwan Normal University in 1960, with a Bachelors Degree in Education before coming to the U.S. He received his Ph.D. from Georgia State University in Math Education in 1977. After he formally immigrated to the United States, he dedicated his life to improving the education and care received by students. PT moved to Alaska in 1988, where he became the first full-time math professor at the Mat-Su College. He was with the university from 1988-2014. After 26 years of service, he formally retired. During his tenure at UAA, PT worked tirelessly on the UAA Diversity Committee and with the Mat-Su Math Club. PT's Grow Your Own Problem Solving Approach to teaching was centered on meeting students' basic needs. He never wanted students to come to class hungry, and provided his own refreshments for anyone who wanted them. PT touched countless lives in our community and around the globe. His lecture tours and speaking engagements took him to Ireland, Austria, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China and other countries around the world. Throughout his career he presented hundreds of papers both Chinese and English. He was awarded the 2010 U.S. Professor of the Year award by the Council for Advancement and support of Education (CASE), as well as being the 2001 and 2009 Alaska State Professor of the Year. He also received numerous Alaskan Legislative Citations for his dedication to his students. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations to the Dr. Ping-Tung Chang Scholarship Fund, an endowed scholarship established by students in PT's honor. Tax-exempt donations may be mailed to Dr. Ping-Tung Chang Endowed Scholarship Fund, c/o UAA Office of Development, 3211 Providence Drive, ADM 236, Anchorage, AK 99508. For further information about the scholarship fund or to make a donation, please contact UAA's Office of Development at 907-786-4878. Arrangements by Cremation Society of Alaska, www.alaskacremation.com.