Department Chairs

Codjo Padonou, Associate Professor
Office: 2401-O / spadonou@ccc.edu

Professor Padonou holds a master’s in mathematics, HR Management, and Online Teaching and is a dedicated educator and academic leader with a passion for fostering inclusive, inquiry-driven learning environments. Associate Professor of Education at Malcolm X College, he brings over a decade of experience in curriculum development, faculty mentorship, and data-informed decision-making. His interdisciplinary approach connects mathematics to art, social justice, and real-world applications, inspiring students to think critically and creatively.

Professor Padonou is a champion of experiential learning and reflective practice, integrating multimedia tools, self-assessment rubrics, and Socratic questioning to deepen student engagement. He is also a skilled communicator and strategic planner, known for crafting impactful proposals and cultivating positive organizational culture. His commitment to academic rigor and appreciative inquiry continues to shape transformative educational experiences across diverse learning communities.

My name is Evens Alexis, and I am an accomplished educator with over two decades of experience in higher education.  Throughout my career, I have taught at Chicago State University, where I also served as Math Coordinator for developmental math courses.  I have also taught at Dailey College and Olive-Harvey College and currently serve as the Math Coordinator at the City Colleges of Chicago at Malcolm X College.  In addition to my coordinator role, I am a mentor for African American males at MXC, the co-chair of the math department, a liaison for the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Academy, and an active member of the hiring panel committee.  My leadership and dedication have helped shape academic programs, strengthen faculty collaboration, and promote institutional growth.

Passionate about student success, I have implemented innovative initiatives such as providing free access codes for developmental math courses and creating hands-on learning opportunities through the Math Club, including the integration of drone technology.  My work reflects a deep commitment to improving mathematics education through research, leadership, and meaningful community engagement.  Over the years, I have built a strong reputation for fostering inclusive learning environments and creating opportunities that empower students to reach their fullest potential.

Faculty

Hope Essien,  Professor
Office: 2401-074 / hessien@ccc.edu

Dr. Hope Essien is an educator, mentor, and a coach. Hope is about quality, student learning, and originality. His motivating, informative, and candid presentation in the classroom, conferences, locally, nationally, and internationally.

His delivery is high-energy, which contextually utilizes activity-based learning relevant to real-life applications. Audiences describe him as “a quantum energy that engages students where the rubber meets the road.”

Hope earned his doctorate from Benedictine University, Lisle, Illinois, a Master of Science in Mathematics from Chicago State University, a Master of Online Teaching from the University of Illinois Springfield, and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Computer Science from Illinois Institute of Science and Technology (IIT) in Chicago.

A Distinguished Professor and Kathy Osterman Award Winner, recognized by the Mayor of the City of Chicago as the Best Educator. His assets are teaching and learning, strategic planning, curriculum, assessments, and grant writing.

He presents at Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, Mathematical Association of America, American Statistical Association, American Institute for Research, The National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD), NADE, East Coast Improvement in Education Summit, and International Conference on Technology in Collegiate Mathematics (ICTCM). He is well-rounded since his educational career started at City Colleges of Chicago. What a journey!

Mary Pat Sheppard, Assistant Professor
Office: 2401-070 / msheppard@ccc.edu

Greetings! My name is Mary Pat Sheppard, and I am a full-time math professor at Malcolm X College. I received my bachelor’s degree from the University of San Diego and my MS from Northeastern Illinois University. Through those years of study and because of the wonderful professors I had, I developed a love for mathematics. It’s a way of thinking that continually provides challenges and has beauty in its patterns and language.

I have been teaching at MXC for 20 years; before that, I taught at St. Xavier University and Moraine Valley Community College. Altogether, I have been an educator, both part-time and full-time, for about 40 years. I consider myself very lucky to be in a field and a college that I thoroughly enjoy.

Outside of work, my life is busy with family, friends, and pursuing interests of travel, wellness, and reading. I consider learning to be a lifelong occupation that makes living richer and more interesting. I always tell my kids, “If you love to read, you will never be bored!”

Nneka Anigbogu is an Associate Professor of Mathematics in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Information Sciences at Malcolm X College, where she has taught since 2007. She served as department chair for four years and currently teaches courses such as College Algebra and Precalculus.

Anigbogu holds an M.S. in Mathematics from Northeastern Illinois University, a B.S. in Mathematics, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) from the University of Jos, Nigeria. She has also completed additional training in online teaching, technology education, and science education through programs at the University of Illinois Springfield, Roosevelt University, Aurora University, and the American College of Education. Her personal interests include gardening, sightseeing, and traveling.

Kayode Jowosimi, Assistant Professor
Office: 2401-055 / kjowosimi@ccc.edu

Kayode Jowosimi is a full-time faculty member in the Math/Computer Information Systems (CIS) Department at Malcolm X College, one of the City Colleges of Chicago. He earned his first degree in Computer Science with a minor in Economics in Nigeria and began his career at Elf Petroleum Limited, a multinational oil exploration and production company. After relocating to the United States, he worked at Motorola Inc. in Schaumburg, Illinois, while pursuing a master’s degree in computer information systems (CIS) at DePaul University, Chicago. He later joined Lucent Technologies and subsequently transitioned into education as a technology instructor at the Youth Connection Leadership Academy. At Malcolm X College, Jowosimi has taught a wide range of CIS courses, including Basic Programming, Visual Basic, C, C++, HTML, Computer Applications, Python, and Information Systems. As technology continues to evolve, he has actively contributed to curriculum development through his involvement in the District CIS group, where he has played a role in shaping programs in Networking, Web Development, Cybersecurity, and Software Development, with ongoing work toward establishing an Artificial Intelligence (AI) program. Jowosimi is dedicated to advancing student success, supporting his colleagues, and contributing to the mission and vision of both Malcolm X College and the City Colleges of Chicago. 

Barri Ray Bridget, Instructor
Office: 2401-075 / bbridget@ccc.edu

Professor Barri Ray Bridget (formerly D.S.) has served the students at Malcolm X College since 2007. They completed a doctoral degree at the University of Illinois in Chicago in 2010, with special research interests in predictive statistics and quantitative finance.  They can be found lurking on Math Stack Exchange, where they might pop up now and then to explain why a sequence or series does or doesn’t converge. Dr. Bridget’s priorities in mathematical communication include conventional notation, good fonts, and esoteric puns. Outside of teaching and mathematical communications, they enjoy coffee, yoga, hanging out with trees, baking, and naps.

Opal Jones, Assistant Professor
Office: 2401- 61 / ojones21@ccc.edu

I have taught at MXC since 2009 and am grateful to be part of a wonderful department and college community. I like to create an environment where students feel free to question and think. That’s why no question is ever too dumb in my classroom as we navigate this math journey together.

Alison Mastny, Assistant Professor
Office: 2401-063 / amastny@ccc.edu

Alison Mastny grew up in Champaign-Urbana.  She earned a BS in math from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (with some coursework at King’s College London) and an MA in mathematics from the University of California, Los Angeles.

She has graduate certificates in Community College Teaching and Learning (from UIUC) and in Educational Research Methodology (from UIC). She has also completed the Illinois Online Network’s training in online teaching and multiple ACUE (Association of College and University Educators) courses.

She has lived in Los Angeles, Berkeley, London, and Berlin, and is very glad to currently live in Chicago.  She has taught at UCLA, Moorpark Community College, Southwest College (Los Angeles), Berkeley City College, and Diablo Valley College, in addition to Malcolm X, where she has been for more than 15 years.   She most frequently teaches Math 118, 125, and 208.  She is also currently the Curriculum Facilitator for Malcolm X College. In addition to teaching, Alison is also a big fan of reading, cooking, and ceramics.

Mohammed Yunusa, Assistant Professor
Office: 2401-073/ myunusa@ccc.edu 

I have been teaching at Malcolm X College since 2013, first as an Adjunct and then as a Full-time faculty from 2016. I teach courses, including Math 98, Math 99, Math 118, Math 125, Math 143, and Math 207. I hold an M. Sc in Applied Mathematics and am currently a Doctorate Candidate at Concordia University Chicago. 

LaTonya Hester, Assistant Professor
Office: 2401-076 / lhester4@ccc.edu

Dr. LaTonya Hester is an educator and scholar who earned her Ph.D. in Leadership with a focus on Higher Education from Concordia University Chicago. Her dissertation examines the impact of self-efficacy on the academic achievement of Black community college students enrolled in developmental mathematics courses.

Dr. Hester holds an MS in mathematics from Chicago State University and an M.S. Ed in Educational Administration from Northern Illinois University. With a strong commitment to equity and inclusion in education, she has completed extensive professional development training, including workshops on universal design for learning and multimodal course design, and a course on Designing Learner-Centered and Equitable Courses. This training has equipped her to effectively support diverse student populations.

Moreover, her involvement in various technology-focused initiatives demonstrates her passion for integrating technology into teaching. Dr. Hester remains actively engaged in fostering an inclusive learning environment that empowers all students to succeed and reach their fullest potential.

Tong Yao, Instructor
Office: 2401-065 / tyao1@ccc.edu

Tong Yao is a full-time faculty member in the Mathematics Department at City College. She holds a master’s degree in mathematics with a concentration in Statistics, a master’s degree in industrial engineering, and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, and is ABD in Industrial Engineering.

With 16 years of teaching experience—13 as an adjunct instructor and nearly three as a full-time faculty member—Professor Yao teaches a wide range of courses, from Fundamental Mathematics to Pre-Calculus.

Her teaching philosophy centers on the belief that anyone can learn mathematics and that everyone has the right to access this knowledge. She is dedicated to helping students succeed through encouragement, patience, and clear guidance. In addition to her teaching, Professor Yao serves as a mentor for the Math Club, supporting student engagement beyond the classroom. Outside of work, she enjoys swimming and cooking.

Patrick Davis, Instructor
Office: 2401-071 / pdavis121@ccc.edu

Dr. Patrick Davis joined the faculty at Malcolm X College at the start of the Spring 2023 semester. During his time at the institution, he has been involved in numerous initiatives – including chairing the college-wide Assessment Committee and serving as one of the MXC Math Club faculty advisors.

Previously, Patrick was at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy in Aurora, IL, where he taught a wide variety of courses and oversaw students completing research and independent study projects. Before that, he was an instructor for the virtual Accelerate

Jamie Arroyo, Instructor
Office: 2401-068 / jarroyo38@ccc.edu

With a student-centered approach, I strive to make Mathematics an engaging and approachable subject for all students.

Believing that learning flourishes in a safe and supportive environment, I try to foster a classroom culture where questions are encouraged, mistakes are viewed as opportunities, and every student feels valued. My goal is to help students build confidence in their math skills and see how math connects to real-world problems. Outside the classroom, I am your average Juan. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, good food, and contemplating math.