James V. Rauff holds a Ph.D in linguistics (specialty: computational linguistics) from Northwestern University, an M.A. in mathematics (specialty: logic ) from the University of Wyoming, an M.A. in anthropology (specialty: Maya epigraphy) from Loyola University -Chicago, and a B.A. in mathematics from Albion College.  (See Dr. Rauff's mathematical family tree)

     He has been teaching mathematics and computer science at Millikin since 1988 where he holds the position of Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science.  Dr. Rauff was the Chair of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science from 2003 to 2006.  He regularly teaches  Theory of Computation, History of Mathematics,  Linear Algebra,  Calculus,  and an Honors Seminar on infinity.  He has also taught differential equations, abstract algebra, logic, cultural anthropology, archaeology, linguistics, and artificial intelligence.

     Professor Rauff served as Director of the Writing in the Disciplines Program from 1991-93.  He also served as the mathematics instructor in the Building New Bridges Program(1996-2001).  In 1990, he was awarded the Alpha Lambda Delta Outstanding Teacher Award.  In 1999, he gave the Distinguished Faculty Lecture at Millikin's Honors Convocation. In 2003, he was honored as the James Millikin Scholars' Educator of the Year. He has several listings in  Who's Who Among America's Teachers.  In 2008, he received a Research and Artistic Achievement Award.

     Dr. Rauff has served on several University committees including the Honors Committee, the Council on Faculty, the Council on Global Issues and the Advisory Committee on Teacher Education Programs.   He is the faculty advisor to Pi Mu Epsilon.

   Professor Rauff is a member of several professional organizations. These include the European Association for Theoretical Computer Science, the Plains Anthropological Association, the Society of Industrial and Applied Mathematics, the American Anthropological Association, the Société Canadienne d'Histoire et de Philosophie des Mathématiques and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.  

    Dr. Rauff is a referee and book review editor for Mathematics and Computer Education , a book reviewer and referee for The Mathematics Teacher, and a book reviewer for the American Mathematical Monthly,and SIGACT News.  He also reviewed materials for the NSF-funded TE-MAT project.  He currently serves on the Advisory Board of the American Mathematical Competitions.

    Professor Rauff has published many articles and reviews in linguistics, computer science, mathematics, and education. You can look at list of his publications by clicking here.   A list of some of his speaking engagements can be seen by clicking here. His general research interests lie in the intersections of mathematics, language and culture.