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Tinuade Dawotola, applied mathematics alumna.
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125 Anniversary Celebration: Tinuade Dawotola

May 16, 2025

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Editor's Note: This is a series of stories about Western Illinois University students, alumni and community members, highlighting their experiences during our 125th anniversary celebration. We will feature 125 individuals from August 2024 to August 2025.

MACOMB, IL - - For Tinuade Dawotola, an applied mathematics alumna, Western Illinois University is a place of opportunity and growth—one that prepared her to succeed.

"When I think about WIU, I think about the boundless opportunities WIU provided," Dawotola said. "WIU gave me far more than career preparation—it equipped me with an invaluable global network and instilled the resilience needed to excel in competitive environments."

Dawotola describes being a Leatherneck as being determined and resilient in the face of challenges.

"To me, it represents the unwavering determination to turn challenges into triumphs," Dawotola said. "As an international student, I quickly learned that the Leatherneck spirit isn't just about academic excellence, it's about the courage to adapt, the resilience to persevere and the confidence to lead."

Looking back on her time as a student, Dawotola's favorite memories are related to the challenges she faced in her mathematics program, which pushed her to be better.

"There were nights when I felt completely overwhelmed, staring at problems that seemed unsolvable. But those challenges, supported by incredible professors and peers, pushed me beyond what I thought I could do," Dawotola said. "I'm grateful for that pressure, it sharpened me into the analytical thinker and problem solver I am today."

In her professional career as an analyst, Dawotola leans on the foundation she built at WIU.

"My most valuable tool isn't just my calculator; it's the problem-solving framework WIU has engraved in me. Whether optimizing payment cycles or building predictive models, I still hear my professors' voices asking: 'What does the data really tell us?'" Dawotola said. "I now leverage my quantitative training daily as a payment analyst. My WIU education didn't just prepare me for this role- it gave me the statistical rigor and predictive modeling skills that drive my work in financial analytics."

While at WIU, Dawotola worked as a graduate assistant in the Department of Mathematics, where she instructed and tutored undergraduate students.

For those considering furthering their education, Dawotola's advice highlights the academic excellence and community engagement that characterize WIU.

"Embrace the challenge. You'll gain more than a degree; you'll develop problem-solving grit through rigorous academics, hands-on experience with supportive faculty and a lasting professional network," Dawotola said. "Beyond the classroom, WIU's vibrant international community creates unforgettable experiences through cultural events that celebrate diversity while making global connections."

As we honor 125 years of educational excellence, we invite local WIU students, alumni, faculty and staff to share their stories and be featured in our series. Contact University Communications at U-Communications@wiu.edu to participate.

To learn more about the WIU Master of Science in Mathematics program, visit wiu.edu/cas/mathematics_and_philosophy/graduate_mathematics.php.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing