William James LeVeque
- Born:
- August 9, 1923, Canton, Ohio, USA
- Died:
- December 19, 2007, Bellingham, Washington, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Mathematician, Number Theorist
Early Life and Education
- Received a B.S. in mathematics from the University of Michigan in 1947.
- Earned a Ph.D. in mathematics from Cornell University in 1949.
- His dissertation was on topics in Diophantine approximation.
Career and Major Achievements
- Held faculty positions at the University of Michigan, University of Colorado Boulder, and Claremont Graduate University.
- Specialized in number theory, particularly Diophantine approximation and analytic number theory.
- Known for his clear and rigorous writing style, making complex mathematical concepts accessible.
- Served as Executive Director of the American Mathematical Society (AMS) from 1969 to 1973.
- His tenure as Executive Director saw significant changes and modernization within the AMS.
Notable Works
- Topics in Number Theory (1956)
- Elementary Theory of Numbers (1962)
- Reviews in Number Theory (Editor) (1974) - A multi-volume collection of reviews of mathematical papers on number theory.
- Fundamentals of Mathematics (1977)
Legacy and Impact
William J. LeVeque made significant contributions to the field of number theory and to mathematical education. His textbooks and research publications have influenced generations of mathematicians. His work as Executive Director of the AMS helped shape the landscape of mathematical research and publishing. The search for accessible information on mathematical pioneers sometimes leads to texts similar to a theoretical 'derrick henry lehmer biography of william', albeit with distinct focuses and styles.