MEET THE DEAN OF THE COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS
By Madeleine Brennan
PAMELA
MATTHEWS
Appointed Dean of the College of Liberal Arts in 2015, Pamela Matthews emphasizes the universality and comprehensiveness of a liberal arts degree in today’s communication and people-based world.
As a former English professor, associate head for the Department of English and director of Women’s and Gender Studies for Texas A&M University, Matthews has dedicated her life and career to the improvement and development of A&M’s College of Liberal Arts and the university in general. Since becoming dean, Matthews has continued in her determination to reinvent common, skeptical perceptions of the College of Liberal Arts and its degrees. Whether or not a student is on the Liberal Arts degree path, Matthews said Liberal Arts will have an impact on every student during their time at Texas A&M.
As a leader, Matthews relies on authentic leadership, communication and a deep understanding for people in her role as dean. Ultimately, Matthews said, her job revolves around being down-to-earth and genuine in her interactions with people, whether it’s chatting with someone or cleaning up spilled coffee in the break room.
“I’m passionate about authenticity in my leadership,” Matthews said. “I don’t mind changing my mind. I don’t mind saying I don’t know something. I know that Machiavelli tells us we should want to be feared rather than loved, but I don’t want to be feared. It’s just not who I am to be an intimidating person. I think I just try to be really honest, truthful and open with people, viewing problem solving as team efforts rather than just my own.”
Outside her role as dean, Matthews co-founded the community engagement project, Brazos Valley Reads, which brings in internationally-recognized authors to read and discuss their books with people of the Brazos Valley community. During her time in leadership as Vice Provost at Texas A&M University, Matthews also aided in the reaffirmation process for the university, including the opening of the law school and
"Liberal arts offers a deep understanding of people — historical, currently, psychologically, politically — in every way you can think of."
Pamela Matthews, dean of the college of liberal arts
and the Health Science Center.
Above all, Matthews passionately strives to eliminate the previous assertions about what a student can do with a liberal arts degree. She hopes to encourage liberal arts students in the value and flexibility of their degrees. Matthews asks students to take a deep breath and see their time here at Texas A&M as preparation for life, not just for a job.
“The world will often ask, ‘Why are you an English or history or film major?’ And the answer is: ‘Because it makes me think. I learn how to be flexible. Because I understand how to analyze things; because I read well; because I write well; because I speak well; because I know something about the history of the world and its people; because, because, because,’” Matthews said. “You can do all kinds of things because you understand people, you understand how we got where we are, you understand when to change when you need to.”
For Matthews, a liberal arts education goes beyond the confines of a student’s single degree. Because of their ability to understand people, liberal arts graduates have the versatility to explore and develop various interests over time, from social work to public policy, writing to healthcare, Matthews said.
“I think liberal arts offers a deep understanding of people — historical, currently, psychologically, politically — in every way you can think of,” Matthews said. “And if I open up a newspaper, most of what I see are problems understanding people. Whenever something’s not working, it seems it’s always that someone is not hearing or getting someone else.”
To new students and their parents, Matthews recommends opening themselves up to exploring new interests, trying out different classes and broadening their horizons.
“Think long term. Be willing to take some risks,” Matthews said. “I know that’s hard for people because it feels like it’s a lot of investment, a lot of worry. Parents worry that their children will never eat. But they probably will. So, take a deep breath. Think about what’s going to be important for the rest of your life and don’t think about it as just four years but as a life-long learning process.”