The Archibald Henderson Mathematics Medal was established in 1931 and named after the late Archibald Henderson, a mathematician, teacher, literary critic, biographer, and historian. For fifty years Henderson was a member of the Department of Mathematics at Chapel Hill, first as student, then as full professor. This medal is awarded by the Department to undergraduate students for excellence in Mathematics: specifically in demonstrating a high degree of mathematical ability and the greatest promise of originality in the field.

Professor Henderson became department head in 1920, and was appointed Kenan Professor in 1925, serving until his retirement in 1948. Under his direction, the mathematics department expanded enormously, increasing its graduate program, adding extensive opportunities in pure mathematics, and acquiring a departmental library that was among the best in the South. The Archibald Henderson Mathematics Medal replaced the Major William B. Cain Award which had been established in 1908.

Past Recipients