OCCC Chair of Mathematics Chris Oehrlein has been recognized at the national level for his dedication to teaching and student success. Oehrlein recently received the 2025 Teaching Excellence Award from the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges and was also selected to serve as president-elect of the association.
With more than 28 years of service at OCCC, Oehrlein has played a key role in shaping mathematics education on campus through active-learning strategies and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) initiatives. His work has focused on helping students build confidence in their math skills while creating engaging classroom environments that encourage participation and problem solving.
Initially, Oehrlein did not set out to become a teacher. Instead, he originally thought he would pursue a career as a researcher or an applied mathematician.
“As a graduate student looking to make a little extra money, I taught a couple of courses at a local community college,” he explained. “I was well received by the students and encouraged by that department chair to teach more. I liked the community college students and setting, so I wrote my master’s thesis and began looking for two-year college teaching positions.”
Oehrlein’s personal interests extend beyond the classroom. He is an avid sports fan, attending and watching numerous college sporting events. He also umpires NCAA Division II and NAIA college baseball games. In an interesting twist, Oehrlein also revealed that he has ridden more than 250 roller coasters across the United States, Canada and Belgium – a testament to his adventurous side.
At OCCC, Oehrlein clearly enjoys being a team player. When asked about his initial reaction to receiving a national teaching award, he automatically emphasized the support that he received from his colleagues. He noted that his first thoughts were of the two faculty members in the math department who prepared his nomination packet.
“They really did all the work,” Oehrlein said, noting that they were the first people he thanked after learning about the honor.
The AMATYC Teaching Excellence Award recognizes outstanding educators at two-year colleges who demonstrate excellence in teaching, innovation in the classroom and commitment to student success. For Oehrlein, the recognition reflects not only his own efforts, but also the collaborative culture within the math department at OCCC.
As department chair, Oehrlein has been actively involved in promoting student-centered learning approaches. Over the years, he has participated in multiple STEM and active-learning initiatives designed to improve outcomes for students, particularly those who enter college feeling anxious or unprepared about the prospect of learning mathematics. His methods emphasize collaboration, discussion and hands-on problem solving, helping students become more engaged in their learning.
In addition to receiving the Teaching Excellence Award, Oehrlein was selected as president-elect of AMATYC, a national organization dedicated to supporting mathematics education at two-year colleges. In this leadership role, he will help guide the organization’s efforts to strengthen math instruction, support faculty development and advocate for community college educators across the country.
Oehrlein’s selection as president-elect highlights his longstanding involvement in professional service and his commitment to advancing math education beyond his own classroom. The role will allow him to represent two-year colleges on a national platform while contributing to conversations about best practices, equity in education and student success.
His achievements also bring positive recognition to OCCC. National awards such as this one highlight the quality of teaching at OCCC and reinforce the important role community colleges play in higher education. Faculty members like Oehrlein demonstrate how dedicated instruction at two-year institutions can make a lasting impact on students’ academic journeys.
Throughout his career, Oehrlein has remained focused on helping students succeed, whether they are pursuing STEM degrees or completing general education requirements. His approach centers on creating supportive learning environments where students feel encouraged to ask questions, collaborate with peers and develop confidence in their abilities.
After nearly three decades at OCCC, Oehrlein continues to find motivation in the classroom and in his work with colleagues. His national recognition serves as a reminder of the value of passionate educators and the difference they make in students’ lives every day.
As Oehrlein prepares to take on his new role with AMATYC, he remains committed to OCCC and its mission of providing accessible, high-quality education. His Teaching Excellence Award and leadership appointment stand as milestones in a career devoted to learning, collaboration and student success.
