Roberta S. Matthews served as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Brooklyn College from 2001 though 2007. During her time there, she played a key role in devising a new strategic plan, envisioning the new core curriculum and creating new undergraduate and graduate programs. She launched the Center for the Study of Brooklyn and the Magner Center for Career Services. The Center for Teaching grew in prominence and effectiveness. As Provost, Matthews oversaw the hiring of over 150 new faculty and developed a rich orientation program for them. In 2003, in partnership with the NYC Department of Education and the Gateway Institute, and as part of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation initiative, she established the Science, Technology and Research (STAR) Early College High School. STAR graduated its first class in June 2007, with 72 of its original 76 students receiving their degrees.

Before coming to Brooklyn College, Matthews served as the founding Director of the CUNY Honors College: University Scholars Program. During 1999-2000 she served as Interim President at LaGuardia Community College / CUNY. Prior to that, she was Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty at Marymount College in Tarrytown New York. Matthews, who holds a doctoral degree in modern British and Irish Literature, spent many years in high-level administrative positions and as a Professor of English at LaGuardia Community College. Her experience spans public and private, senior and community, small and large colleges.

Matthews has published widely and offered workshops on learning communities and active learning at colleges and universities across the country. Throughout her career, she focused on curriculum and program development, school-college collaboration, and international education, always dedicated to achieving educational excellence through intentional and proven reform efforts. She served on the national advisory board for the Policy Center on the First Year of College; Brooklyn College was among the pilot groups chosen to participate in the Foundations of Excellence project, and Matthews led the team. Matthews retired in June 2007 and looks forward to working with the Foundations of Excellence colleges.

To contact Roberta, please email her at matthews@fyfoundations.org.