2009 McGuffey winner:

Probability and Statistics for Engineering and the Sciences, 7th ed., by Jay Devore, published by Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning (College Mathematics/Statistics category)

Jay Devore:

"I was an undergraduate and a graduate student at high powered research universities. When I finished my PhD, it was natural to take a job at a research university. But I soon found that I wasn't enjoying the research all that much and speculated that few people were reading my papers. I decided to move to a mathematics department within a liberal arts college. After several years of perusing introductory statistics, it occurred to me that perhaps I could improve on what was then available.

So I started writing. Meanwhile cold Midwestern weather was taking its toll. I was fortunate enough to be offered a job in the statistics department at Cal Poly SLO. One of my first course assignments was statistics for engineers. The existing books for that audience seemed rather old fashioned and more focused on mathematical aspects of the subject than on data. This precipitated a change in my writing plans — instead of a book with only an algebra prerequisite, I'd try writing something with an applied flavor for students with a modest calculus background. Shopping a prospectus and several sample chapters got me a contract with Brooks-Cole.

It took me five years to see the book through to publication — teaching a 12 unit load, pounding away at a typewriter evenings, weekends, and during vacations while also trying to pay attention to my family. What a great feeling of pride when I received my first copies and heard about several adoptions. I had no expectations of financial rewards; I just wanted to make a significant contribution to my discipline and society. Amazingly, the book is in its 7th edition and has been in print for over 25 years. I still enjoy getting the occasional email message from a far away student complimenting the book — typically before asking a question about a problem!"

Thoughts on the award from Jay Devore, author of Probability and Statistics for Engineering and the Sciences , 7th ed.:

"I have been a TAA member since the birth of the organization, and greatly appreciate its efforts over the years on behalf of authors. It is an honor to be singled out by them for this award."

Molly Taylor, Acquisitions Editor, Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning, publisher of Probability and Statistics for Engineering and the Sciences, 7th ed.:

"Cengage Learning extends its gratitude to the TAA for recognizing Jay Devore's exemplary contributions to statistics education with a 2009 McGuffey Longevity Award. Through seven editions the market-leading Probability and Statistics for Engineering and the Sciences has established itself as the definitive introduction to statistics for students in engineering and the physical sciences, and as one of Cengage's most successful-selling titles in the mathematical sciences. An entire generation of engineering and scientific professionals were awakened to the practical relevancy of the subject by learning from Jay's text in their undergraduate engineering statistics courses. As an author he shows unparalleled intuition for cultivating students' interest in applying statistics to their own career aims, we congratulate Jay on this well-deserved honor."

Advice from Jay Devore, author of Probability and Statistics for Engineering and the Sciences , 7th ed.:

"It is lonely to write a book by yourself. After my first solo effort, I've worked with coauthors on the other five books I've written, and am currently collaborating on another one. It is fun, albeit occasionally painful, to bounce ideas off one another. Also, realize that writing requires precision and careful forethought going beyond what is needed for successful classroom teaching. I can't tell you how many times I have agonized for hours or even days over a sentence or paragraph, trying to find the best way to convey a concept or method. Be prepared for a long haul, and good luck!"

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