Marcia Lynn Gumpertz Reflects on Decades of Dedication to Statistics at NCSU

As the academic community at North Carolina State University bids farewell to one of its esteemed members, Marcia Lynn Gumpertz, it is an opportune moment to reflect on the remarkable journey of this distinguished statistician. Dr. Gumpertz’s association with the Statistics Department dates back to 1984 when she commenced her academic voyage as a graduate student, culminating in the attainment of her Ph.D. in Statistics. In 1989, she officially joined the department as an assistant professor, marking the beginning of a career characterized by versatility, dedication, and significant contributions.

Over the years, Dr. Gumpertz’s professional trajectory evolved in tandem with the changing landscape of academia. In her early years, she seamlessly balanced her roles in consulting, research, teaching, and service. Engaging in consulting with various disciplines such as plant pathology, forestry, and soil science, her work seamlessly intertwined research and practical applications. This dynamic approach not only enriched her experience but also benefited numerous projects and initiatives across diverse fields.

Around 2000, Dr. Gumpertz became active in the Association for Women Faculty, signaling her entry into organizational advocacy. In 2006, she left her faculty position with the Statistics Department and transitioned to administration, joining the Office for Diversity in African American Affairs. The Association identified a need for a Provost’s Office representative focusing on women faculty issues – a role she undertook – emphasizing women faculty and assessing diversity initiatives. As the Assistant Vice Provost for Faculty Diversity, her efforts led to the department’s evolution into the Office for Diversity and Inclusion. In 2009, the Equal Employment Opportunity Office merged with the Office for Diversity and Inclusion, forming the Office for Institutional Equity and Diversity. Dr. Gumpertz returned as Assistant Vice Provost for Faculty and Staff Diversity, contributing until 2017.

Notably, in 2017, Dr. Gumpertz returned to her roots, rejoining the Statistics Department as a full-time professor. Resuming her roles in consulting, teaching, and student advising, she brought a wealth of experience and a renewed passion to the department. Her return coincided with the receipt of an NSF-funded grant, the Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP) project, adding a new dimension to her responsibilities.

When asked about her fondest memories in the department, Dr. Gumpertz reflects on the joy of consulting and assisting colleagues with their projects. Her penchant for helping others, a theme that runs through her career, reflects a genuine desire to make meaningful contributions.

For Dr. Gumpertz, the Statistics Department has been more than a workplace; it has been the canvas on which she painted her entire career. She expresses a deep sense of satisfaction and enjoyment from being part of this academic community.

Looking ahead to her retirement, Dr. Gumpertz envisions a life filled with physical activity, community engagement, and (perhaps) further exploration of the data collected through the AGEP project. As the President of KOL HASKALAH, a humanistic Jewish Congregation, and an active member of the “paddle on” group, she exemplifies a commitment to both personal well-being and community involvement.

To new faculty and students, Dr. Gumpertz offers simple yet profound advice: pursue something that is meaningful to you. Recognizing the significant time and energy invested in one’s professional life, she encourages individuals to find joy and fulfillment in their chosen paths, emphasizing the importance of making meaningful contributions.

As the academic chapter for Marcia Lynn Gumpertz within the Statistics Department draws to a close, her legacy remains embedded in the department’s history. Her journey, marked by resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to making a difference, serves as an inspiration for the generations that follow.