Fairmont State’s Dennine LaRue Honored with Prestigious WVCTM Distinguished Service Award
Fairmont State University proudly announces that retired faculty member, Dennine LaRue, has been awarded the 2025 Distinguished Service Award—also known as “The Chair”—by the West Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics (WVCTM). Presented at the WVCTM annual meeting on March 14, this prestigious honor recognizes LaRue’s decades-long dedication and transformative impact on mathematics education across West Virginia.
LaRue’s distinguished teaching career began at Fairmont Senior High School, where she taught for ten years before joining Fairmont State University as an adjunct faculty member. In 2006, she became a full-time faculty member, a position she held with passion and distinction for 18 years until her retirement in May 2024. Larue is a proud alumna of Fairmont State College—now Fairmont State University and holds a master’s degree from West Virginia University.
In reflecting on the award, LaRue shared, "It is both humbling and heartwarming to be honored for distinguished service by colleagues whom I hold in high regard. There are many math teachers and professors who have dedicated their entire careers to improving mathematics education for the students of West Virginia. In education, it always takes a while to see the results. I am deeply gratified to have been a part of sowing seeds of improvement throughout my career."
LaRue’s passion for teaching and talent for making mathematics both enjoyable and approachable have earned her deep respect from students and colleagues alike. She is known for embracing the creativity and beauty of math, and for her eagerness to share that excitement with learners of all ages—from elementary students to college undergraduates and beyond. Her teaching style often included interactive elements such as math games, puzzles, and real-world problem-solving to spark curiosity and encourage critical thinking.
Her commitment to the broader mathematics education community is equally commendable. LaRue has served in numerous leadership roles, including two terms as College Vice President for WVCTM. She was named WVCTM Outstanding College Teacher of the Year in 2012 and continues to be a dedicated member of the West Virginia State Math Field Day Organization for 42 years—34 of which she served as secretary. She also coordinated Math Field Day competitions at both the regional and county levels, playing a pivotal role in nurturing students’ mathematical abilities statewide.
LaRue continues a proud tradition of mathematics education leadership in Marion County. Previous WVCTM Distinguished Service Award recipients from the area include Dr. Elizabeth Frye (1992), Suzie Clark White (2002), Diana Munza Ferguson (2003), and Adam Fletcher (2024).
Fairmont State University applauds LaRue for her exceptional career and unwavering dedication to mathematics education. Her legacy of service, mentorship, and innovation will continue to inspire educators and students throughout West Virginia for years to come.
