The department strives for excellence in education and research. The department's faculty members have published extensively, including numerous articles in the leading journals and at least twelve graduate- or research-level books.

Two faculty members have received the University of Hawai‘i Excellence in Teaching Award and several others have been nominated. Two faculty members have received the University Excellence in Research Award. 

In addition, two other members of the department have received the George Polya Award for expository excellence from the Mathematical Association of America.