Diane Petrella, Dean of the College of the Arts, is pleased to announce that Dr. Wendy K. Matthews has been appointed as Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs and Assessment in the College of the Arts.
Dr. Matthews holds degrees from the Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University, the University of Maryland-College Park, and George Mason University. Prior to joining the Kent State faculty, she led the music department at Northern Virginia Community College as Assistant Dean, developing new programs and growing student enrollment, served as Associate Professor of Music and an Assessment Coordinator for the university's accreditation at Wayne State University, and taught undergraduate and graduate courses at Georgetown University, the University of Maryland, and George Mason University.
At Kent State, Dr. Matthews has distinguished herself as a scholar, ​conductor, teacher, and citizen. Her research interests include the oral histories of women brass players, group dynamics in large ensembles, and various topics in music teacher education. She has published in numerous journals, is a co-author of Basic Conducting Techniques, and has presented her research at national and international conferences worldwide. She is the conductor of the Kent State Youth Winds and has served on various college and School of Music committees.
In her new role, Dr. Matthews will provide leadership and oversight of all undergraduate programs, curriculum, and student services, direct the College’s efforts in assessment, and serve on related university-level and College committees, including chairing the College’s DEIA Council. Dr. Matthew’s vast experience as an academic and leader positions her to be a tremendous asset to the College leadership team.