Prof. Abell joined Georgia Southern University in 1989 and retired in 2022.

— Biography from the 2022 Spring Commencement program —

Dr. Abell received her BS degree in Mathematics (1983) from Mercer University, and her MS in Applied Mathematics (1987) and Ph.D. in Mathematics (1989) from the Georgia Institute of Technology. She joined the faculty at Georgia Southern in Fall 1989 as a tenure-track Assistant Professor, earned tenure, and progressed to the rank of Professor of Mathematics. Dr. Abell enjoyed working with students in courses ranging from the core curriculum to the graduate level and was dedicated to helping all students become successful in mathematics. Her research collaborations with colleague James P. Braselton led to the publication of 10 distinct books in 28 editions, some of which were translated into German and Japanese, the publication of numerous peer-reviewed articles in scientifc journals, successful grant proposals, and invited addresses at international, national, regional, and state conferences. In recognition of this work, Dr. Abell received the 1995-1996 Georgia Southern Award for Excellence in Research and/or Creative Scholarly Activity. She served as Faculty Assistant to the Vice President for Academic Afairs to assist the campus in its transition from the quarter to semester system. While in this position, she also served on the committee that proposed and developed the University Honors Program (UHP). She spent the 1997-1998 academic year at Georgia Tech as part of the University System of Georgia's Professional Development Program where she assisted the School of Mathematics in their eforts to implement technology-enhanced instructional practices and participated in their mathematical biology research group. After returning to Georgia Southern, she held several administrative positions spanning 17 years beginning in 2001, including Honors Director, Chair of the Department of Mathematical Sciences, and Dean of the College of Science and Mathematics. During her time as an administrator, she successfully completed Georgia Southern's Eagle Leadership Program and the University System of Georgia's Executive Leadership Institute and Accelerated Leadership Academy. She served as an invited speaker on numerous leadership panels locally and in the professional community. Te Martha L. Abell Scholarship in Mathematics was established in honor of Dr. Abell by generous donations from members of the College of Science and Mathematics Advisory Board and was endowed by the Abell family and friends. Dr. Abell held leadership positions in several campus organizations, including Librarian of the Faculty Senate, Chair of the Honors Day Committee, President of the American Association of University Professors, President of Phi Kappa Phi, and Faculty Advisor to the Epsilon Pi Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. She also served the University System of Georgia as Chair of the Academic Advisory Committee on Mathematical Subjects. Within the professional community, Dr. Abell served as President of the Southeastern Atlantic Section of the Society of Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM). She also served in many leadership positions in the Mathematical Association of America (MAA), including Chair, Governor, and Secretary/Treasurer of the MAA Southeastern Section, Chair of the MAA Council on Meetings, and on the leadership team that developed the MAA Instructional Practices, among others. She received the 2016 MAA Southeastern Section Distinguished Service Award and the 2019 MAA Meritorious Service Award. For these many contributions to the University, college, department and profession, Dr. Abell has earned the title of Professor Emerita of Mathematics.*