The University of Tennessee System has named Matt Matthews Ph.D. as associate vice president for academic affairs. He will begin the role on Aug. 15.
In this role, Matthews will provide leadership and coordination in academic policy, programs, reporting and other academic initiatives. He will work collaboratively with campus chief academic officers and their staffs, as well as various system- and campus-level units, to promote greater alignment, collaboration and communication across the UT System.
Additionally, Matthews will support the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees Education, Research and Service Committee. He also will be the University’s liaison to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, Tennessee Department of Education and State Board of Education.
“As we continue to build the greatest decade in UT history, Dr. Matthews’ proven track record in academic leadership aligns with our mission and enormous responsibility of helping ensure our students are successful across the state,” UT System President Randy Boyd said. “We are confident he will significantly impact our academic community and support our goals of advancing education and research across the UT System.”
Bernie Savarese, vice president for academic affairs, research and student success for the UT System, also expressed his support.
“We are honored to welcome Dr. Matthews to our leadership team,” he said. “His extensive experience in higher education administration, along with his commitment to academic excellence and innovation, makes him an ideal fit for this role. His vision and leadership will be instrumental as we continue to enhance academic policies and programs across our campuses.”
Savarese’s enthusiasm is echoed by Matthews, who shares excitement about the opportunities ahead.
Matthews currently serves as senior vice provost at UT Chattanooga, where he has participated in cross-divisional strategic initiatives at UTC, including campus master planning and student success.
Matthews previously served as the associate dean in the UTC College of Arts and Sciences, managing curriculum development, scheduling and summer school operations. Before this, he rose to the rank of professor and served as interim department head of the Department of Mathematics from 2014 to 2016.
Matthews earned his doctorate in applied mathematics from North Carolina State University and conducted postdoctoral research at Duke University before joining the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga as an assistant professor in 2004.
Media release by Jason Moody, 865-974-4442 or jmoody9@tennessee.edu
The University of Tennessee is a statewide system of higher education with campuses in Knoxville, Chattanooga, Pulaski, Martin and Memphis; the UT Institute of Agriculture with a presence in every Tennessee county; and the statewide Institute for Public Service.