NEWS RELEASE

Contact: David West (west@nsula.edu )
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466

9/10/2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATCHITOCHES-For Jeffrey Mathews, his favorite part of teaching was the interaction with students. Now, Mathews has moved into a position that allows him to work closely with more students. He has been named director of Student Activities and Organizations at Northwestern State University.

Mathews will oversee more than 100 student organizations at NSU including the Student Government Association, Student Activities Board and Greek organizations. He succeeds Carl P. Henry III, who held the position for 17 years.

A graduate of Northwestern, Mathews received a Bachelor of Music Education in 1990 and a Master of Music Education at the University of North Texas where he also served as a teaching fellow.

"I know I have big shoes to fill," said Mathews. "I know that I had a great experience at Northwestern as an undergraduate and I want to help our students have the same kind of experience I had, if not a better one."

Mathews joined NSU's faculty in 1998 as assistant director of bands and an assistant professor of music. He assisted in all marching band activities and was part of the recruiting team that helped create the largest band in NSU history. Mathews also served as conductor of the NSU Wind Ensemble and Symphony Band and associate conductor of the NSU Fall Wind Ensemble.

In 2001, he was named director of athletic bands, coordinating band activities connected with Northwestern athletics including the Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band and the basketball pep band.

From 1992-96, he was assistant band director at Garland High School for the Performing Arts in Garland, Texas. Mathews was also band director at Haughton High School and music director for grades five through 12 in Rosepine.

Mathews plans to actively encourage NSU's students to seek out an organization of interest to them.

"Student organizations play an important role in the total educational experience," he said. "They provide students with an opportunity to learn to work with others and to gain leadership experience which is valuable after graduation.

"Northwestern has a variety of student organizations including religious organizations, academic clubs and Greek organizations. We are also willing to work with students who have ideas about new organizations they would like to see."

According to Mathews, student organizations will also play an important role in NSU's objective of increasing its student retention and graduation rate.

"Students who get involved in campus activities have a better experience and are more likely to remain here," he said. "Having active student organizations creates a better campus atmosphere."

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