Davis & Elkins College President Chris A. Wood has signed the letter of appointment for D&E’s new Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Mike Mattison, Ph.D. Mattison brings along an extensive background spanning more than two decades in administrative and professional leadership experience.
Mattison spent his academic years in pursuit of higher education in the study of English, having earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1994 from the College of Wooster. From there, Mattison would obtain both a Master of Arts and Doctorate in the same field, albeit separate disciplines, from Iowa State University and the University of Massachusetts-Amherst in 1996 and 2003, respectively.
“I am thrilled to be joining Davis & Elkins College, as the school reminds me of my own undergraduate institution, and I am deeply committed to D&E’s mission: ‘to prepare and inspire students for success and for thoughtful engagement in the world,’” says Mattison. “I want to thank President Wood, and the hiring committee, for this opportunity.
“During my visit, it was obvious how much the faculty and staff care about their work, and I look forward to collaborating with all of them to give the students at D&E a wide variety of pathways to achieve their goals. As a nontraditional student myself, I know there is not one route to or through school, and it’s important to me to try and meet students where they are. Higher education institutions, especially now, must be cognizant of and responsible to their diverse populations, willing and able to adapt and innovate so that students have what they need to succeed. I welcome the opportunity to help D&E continue to develop critical thinkers and lifelong learners.”
Prior to reaching the D&E campus, Mattison occupied the role of Associate Provost at Wittenberg University (WU). In this position, he offered comprehensive service to the university, acting in collaboration with numerous committees and departments, supervising academic support services, and helping to create the school’s new general education program, the Connections Curriculum. Mattison has also served WU as director and coordinator of several programs, including FIRE Week, and as adjunct faculty and assistant, associate, and professor of English. He began the early stages of the new millennium in roles as assistant professor at Boise State University and assistant director of the Writing Center and placement test coordinator at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
“The senior leadership position of Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs is pivotal for the vitality of Davis & Elkins College,” says D&E President Chris A. Wood. “Dr. Mattison is the ideal candidate for this position, and he has my full confidence and support. He is a consummate professional who brings a lifetime of experience and passion to support our faculty, brings innovation to our academic offerings, and honors the liberal arts core that is the hallmark of this higher education institution. As has been true throughout our history, the right leaders arrive at the right time, proving this College is a blessed place.”
Further bolstering his impressive career, Mattison has given nearly 50 peer-reviewed paper presentations and professional workshops in the last 15 years. Several of these workshops have featured Mattison as the invited keynote. He is responsible for the distribution of several grants at Wittenberg University and is further distinguished with a dozen high-profile honors and awards. Mattison has spent a career in service of the colleges for which he has worked and is welcomed warmly to the campus of D&E.
