Dr. F. Neil Mathews named Director of the School of Education

01/11/16

The LSU College of Human Sciences & Education is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. F. Neil Mathews as the Director of the School of Education and Patrick & Edwidge Olinde Endowed Professor.

“Dr. Mathews has a deep understanding of the numerous ways LSU’s School of Education is positioned to meet educational needs within the state and beyond,” said Dean Damon Andrew. “His actions taken while serving as Interim Director elicited positive affirmations throughout the School of Education and are reflective of his optimistic, forward-thinking approach. Louisiana’s flagship School of Education is poised for great things under his astute leadership.”

Mathews served as interim director for the School of Education since 2014. In this role, he served as LSU’s representative for multiple state education organizations, including the Louisiana Association of Colleges for Teacher Education and the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Mathews’ strong administrative background spans the university campus and enhances his positive and collaborative leadership style.

“It is an honor to be selected again to serve as the leader for the School of Education’s outstanding faculty as they focus on many opportunities and challenges to address significant issues in education through research, teaching, and service,” said Mathews.

Dr. F. Neil Mathews is a successful professor and administrator in higher education.  Dr. Mathews’ research and scholarly interests include higher education administration, teacher education, and the educational psychology of gifted and talented students.  He frequently represents the department, college, and university at community, state, and national events.  He writes about a number of issues affecting higher education, campus life in a university community, and the education of gifted and talented students.  Dr. Mathews is committed to strengthening higher education’s fundamental capacities to engage diverse and inclusive populations in the process of becoming a community of learners and problem-solvers.  In 2009, he returned as a faculty member in the Department of Educational Theory, Policy, and Practice after serving as an administrator at Louisiana State University: Vice Chancellor for Student Life and Academic Services (2001-2008), Vice Provost for Academic Affairs (1998-2001), Dean of the College of Education (1995-1998), Chair of  the Department of Curriculum and Instruction (1991-1995), Associate Dean of the College of Education (1989-1990), and Chair of  the Department of Human Development, (1981-1982).

Mathews’ educational background includes a B.A. in Education from Washington State University, a M.Ed. from Western Washington State University, and a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Connecticut.  He received additional training as a National Policy Fellow at the Institute for Educational Leadership at George Washington University and as an Educational Leadership Policy Fellow at Columbia University.  In addition, he participated in the Institute for Education Management at Harvard University.

About SOE

The LSU School of Education offers graduate and undergraduate programs in Curriculum and Instruction and in Educational Leadership, Research, and Counseling. The school’s mission is to prepare P-12 educational professionals to be leaders, practitioners and scholars knowledgeable in contemporary educational issues.

Visit the School of Education at lsu.edu/chse/education

About CHSE

The College of Human Sciences & Education is a nationally accredited division of LSU. Formed in 2012, the college brings together programs and capitalizes on individual strengths to create a dynamic new college that addresses the socially significant issues we face as a state and nation. The college is comprised of the School of Education, the School of Leadership and Human Resource Development, the School of Kinesiology, the School of Library and Information Science, the School of Social Work and the University Laboratory School. These combined schools offer eight undergraduate degree programs and 18 graduate programs, enrolling more than 1,900 undergraduate and 977 graduate students. The college is committed to achieving the highest standards in teaching, research, and service and is continually working to improve its programs.

Visit the College of Human Sciences & Education at lsu.edu/chse