Diana Herrington, a lecturer in the Department of Mathematics at Fresno State, died May 17 at St. Agnes Hospital after being transported there from the Fresno State campus. She was 66 years old.

Described by colleagues as a passionate and talented teacher, Herrington was also an influential advocate for mathematics education statewide. She is survived by her husband Ken, a retired math teacher from Grant Middle School in Reedley, and daughter Kendia, a chemistry teacher at Buchanan High School.

Herrington came to Fresno State in 2013 following a distinguished 30-year teaching career at Clovis High School. She was a critical component of the University’s Liberal Studies program, teaching hundreds of future elementary school teachers.

“Diana embodied the ideals that Fresno State strives to achieve. She worked tirelessly as an innovative educator, an inspiring teacher and a caring, compassionate mentor,” said Dr. Robert Dundas, interim dean of the College of Science and Mathematics at Fresno State.

Outside of the classroom, Herrington was a powerful voice for mathematics education. She served as a member of the California Teacher Advisory Council, state coordinator of mathematics for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching and was an adviser to the governor. She was active in the San Joaquin Valley Mathematics Project and has a theorem named after her at NASA.

“She has been so influential in the state of California and the U.S. in the field of teaching mathematics. She has written and been the lead on just about every math exam the state of California has given,” said Alice Keeler, who along with Herrington co-authored the book “Teaching Math with Google Apps.”

In her online bio, Herrington details her passion for education. “I absolutely love what I teach and cannot wait to share my enjoyment with my students,” she wrote. “I am having a great time working with the next generation of teachers.”

Services will be held at 11 a.m. on June 3 at Farewell Funeral (660 W Locust Ave #101, Fresno) in Fresno, followed by a celebration of life at Clovis High School at 1 p.m.

A scholarship fund for aspiring math teachers has been established in her honor. Donations can be made at California State University, Fresno Foundation (4910 N. Chestnut Ave., Fresno).  For more information, contact Javier Morales at 559.278.5995.