From solving math equations to coordinating cheers, math instructor and head cheerleading coach does it all
Dr. Shannon Gunter has always loved math. Math came easy to her, and math homework was always the first homework she did after school. At a young age, Gunter knew she wanted to pursue a career in mathematics. However, teaching math never crossed her mind.
Deductive Reasoning
Gunter considered various careers, such as forensics, that were math-heavy. However, in high school, Gunter learned about the North Carolina Teaching Fellows Scholarship , a scholarship that covers the cost of undergraduate education in exchange for the student’s commitment to teaching for four years in the public school system. For Gunter, it was too good an opportunity to turn down.
After completing her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in math, Gunter began teaching in local high schools. She was hooked.
“I fell in love with teaching and the students,” shared Gunter. “And now I cannot see myself doing anything else.”
Finding The Golden Ratio
By 2010, Gunter had fulfilled her Teaching Fellows Scholarship commitment. Meanwhile, Cape Fear Community College was experiencing a growth spurt and recruiting math instructors. Gunter applied and was hired for a math position. She began teaching at CFCC the following semester.
“At first, I was scared. I was a high school teacher. What do I know about teaching college?” reminisces Gunter. “But, I discovered that the students are not that much different, and I think this level is so much better. The schedule, the interaction with students, and the topics I cover are more enjoyable.”
“Shannon Gunter makes math incredibly fun. She has a wonderful personality and knows how to connect even the most “boring” math topics to a catchy or witty joke,” a former student shared on RateMyProfessors.com. “She walks through problems, slows down if a student needs help, and answers every question helpfully and respectfully.”
Cheerleading Matrix
When Gunter is not solving quadratic equations, she’s numbering dance steps and coordinating cheers with CFCC’s Cheer Team.
Gunter’s extensive experience made her a valuable volunteer assistant when she arrived at CFCC. A lifelong dancer and cheerleader, she was a varsity cheerleader in high school and on the dance team at UNCW. She coached junior varsity and varsity cheer in Pender and New Hanover County schools. By 2015, Gunter had progressed to CFCC’s head cheer coach.
“Coach Gunter always greeted us with a big smile and asked how we were doing,” said Keri Furrow, 2021-2022 cheer team member. “It meant a lot, and it was genuine. She made herself available for after-practice talks because she cared how we were doing.”
Students, faculty, staff, and Sea Devils fans can see the cheer team in action at CFCC’s men’s and women’s home basketball games. The team also participates in community events. You might catch the team bringing school spirit to a parade, a middle or high school camp, or CFCC campus events such as Fall Festival.
Interested in becoming a member of the cheer team or volunteering with the team? Reach out to Dr. Gunter to find out more.
If you need a math credit for your degree program or are interested in taking additional math credits, visit CFCC’s Class Finder to check out the math classes taught by Dr. Gunter.
