Springfield College Health Dean Selected for Leadership Academy

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield College announced that Springfield College School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation Dean Tracey Matthews is one of 45 mid-level administrators in higher education nationwide selected by the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) to participate in the 2018–19 Senior Leadership Academy.

Individuals chosen for the year-long program are administrators in higher education who have been identified by their institutions as having the potential for senior leadership positions in independent colleges or universities.

Matthews will participate in an opening seminar in St. Louis, Mo., Nov. 2-4, and a closing seminar in Washington, DC, June 20–22, 2019. Matthews also will undertake a mentoring program, work with experts, participate in webinars, and engage in a series of readings and case studies during the academic year.

The academy is designed to prepare prospective leaders to assume positions as the chief officers in any division—including academic affairs, student affairs, finance, enrollment management, and advancement — in independent higher education. 

“Because the generation of senior leaders now on campus is rapidly approaching retirement, the need for able new leaders is significant,” said CIC President Richard Ekman. “Competition for the available places in the program was intense, and the review committee found the nomination materials to be most impressive. They (and I) believe that Matthews has the potential for highly effective leadership in a position of senior responsibility on campus.”

Matthews was appointed dean of the Springfield College School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation in 2014. Prior to her current role as dean, Matthews served as a faculty member at Springfield College starting in 2002, and she also served six years as chair for the Springfield College Department of Exercise Science and Sport Studies.

Matthews earned a doctor of physical educational degree from Springfield College in 1997, and received a master of science degree in physical education from the College in 1995.