Campus Directory

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Biography

Ervin J. China is a mathematics educator and researcher. He is currently the faculty director of mathematics at Saint Xavier University, where he leads with a vision rooted in equity, access and academic excellence. Holding a doctorate in teaching and learning from Georgia State University, his research investigates how identity, belonging and mathematics help-seeking behaviors influence student success—particularly among African American learners in community college settings. China views mathematics as a gatekeeper that has historically restricted opportunity, and he is deeply committed to demystifying the subject and making it accessible to all. His work spans classrooms, prisons and community outreach programs, where he brings mathematics to historically marginalized populations and mentors Black male students to foster academic confidence and resilience. A published scholar and award-winning educator, China continues to challenge traditional boundaries in mathematics education through inclusive leadership, transformative pedagogy, and a belief in mathematics as a tool for liberation.

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Presentations/Publications/Productions

Selected Presentations  

China, A., China, E. J. & Crenshaw, A. (February 2024). "Transforming Academic Help Seeking through the Power of Belonging" (interdisciplinary). Presented at the National Organization for Student Success’ 48th Annual Conference. Las Vegas, Nev.

China, E. J. & Crenshaw, A. (October 2023). "Advancing Global Learning: Using Belonging to Promoting Student Help Seeking in Higher." Presented at the American Association of Colleges & Universities' Conference on Global Learning. Washington, D.C.

China, E. J. & Crenshaw, A. (November 2022). "Exploring Mathematics Help-Seeking Behaviors at Two-Year Colleges." Presented at the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year College’s 48th Annual Conference. Toronto, Ont.

China, E. J. & Crenshaw, A. (February 2022). "Mathematics Help Seeking at Two-year Colleges with Suggestions for Retention and Engagement." Presented at the Georgia State University 35th Annual Perimeter Mathematics Conference. Atlanta, Ga.  

China, E. J. (February 2020). "Motivational and Mentoring Math Conversations." Presented at the University of West Georgia for the African American Male Mathematics Network Symposium. Carrollton, Ga. 

Selected Publications

Jett, C., China, E. Ortiz, N., & Savage, K. (2021). "Black Male Mathematics Educators Speak: Reflections from a Symposium." Journal of African American Males in Education (JAAME), 1–16.

China, E. J., (2014). "And then there was light: A book review of 'The brilliance of black children in mathematics: Beyond the numbers and toward new discourse.'" Journal of Urban Mathematics Education 7(1), 88–95.