The academic community in Cambridge, Massachusetts is grieving the loss of Andrew “Andy” Engelward, a highly respected educator, mentor, and innovator whose work at Harvard Extension School shaped generations of students and teachers. Engelward’s passing marks a profound loss not only for the school, but for the countless individuals whose lives he touched through his dedication to mathematics education.
Engelward—admired for his charisma, warmth, and unmatched enthusiasm for teaching—built a reputation as a gifted instructor who could make even the most complex mathematical concepts feel accessible. His classrooms were known for their creativity and energy. Whether using props, physical demonstrations, or large-scale visual reliefs to illustrate functions of two variables, Engelward brought abstract ideas to life in ways that inspired curiosity and confidence in his students.
He was also a pioneer in leveraging technology to enhance learning. Long before digital tools became standard in higher education, Engelward integrated Webwork into his Math X (now Math M) courses. That system would later evolve into Edfinity, a widely used platform for interactive and problem-based learning. His forward-thinking approach helped lay the groundwork for modern digital instruction in mathematics.
Beyond his role in the classroom, Engelward was deeply committed to supporting fellow educators. He authored the original “preceptor book,” a foundational guide used for more than a decade to assist new instructors navigating the multifaceted responsibilities of teaching and academic administration. Colleagues describe him as a steady, encouraging presence—someone who gladly shared advice, offered practical strategies, and championed the growth of those around him.
Engelward’s leadership was equally pivotal in the establishment of the Math for Teaching program at Harvard Extension School, which provided vital hands-on experience and pathways for aspiring educators. As teaching environments shifted dramatically in recent years, he remained an anchor for faculty, embracing hybrid and online methods early and ensuring high-quality instruction continued uninterrupted. His readiness to adapt and mentor others through that transition left a lasting imprint on the institution.
To his students, Engelward was more than a professor—he was a guide, an advocate, and a source of unwavering support. To his colleagues, he was a collaborator and visionary who elevated the standards of mathematical education.
The Harvard Extension School community continues to honor Engelward’s legacy of innovation, mentorship, and passion for teaching—qualities that will endure in the educators he trained and the students he inspired. Funeral arrangements and memorial tributes are expected to be shared by the family in the coming days.