For Immediate Release —April 13, 2009
Contact:
David Irwin
Media Relations Manager
(585) 245-5516
irwin@geneseo.edu

Tom Matthews Named Higher Education Member of the Year by New York State United Teachers

GENESEO, N.Y. – Tom Matthews, director of leadership, educational development and training at the State University of New York at Geneseo and a longtime leader of United University Professions, has been named Higher Education Member of the Year by New York State United Teachers.  UUP, the statewide union representing SUNY academic and professional staff, is NYSUT’s largest higher education affiliate. 

Matthews has served as UUP’s statewide treasurer, vice president for professionals and chief negotiator.  He was president of the union’s Geneseo chapter for many years.

“Tom Matthews exemplifies what being a higher ed professional is, in every sense of the word,” said NYSUT President Richard C. Iannuzzi.  “He is committed to his campus and to his union.”

Matthews has worked at SUNY Geneseo for 41 years.  He runs two award-winning programs:  The Geneseo Opportunities for Leadership Development (GOLD) program and Livingston County CARES (Community Action Relief Efforts).  The GOLD program, which offers leadership development to thousands of students each year, represents Geneseo’s values of excellence, innovation, diversity and commitment to community.  In 2006, the GOLD program received a bronze award from the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA).

Matthews also has been heavily involved in the collaborative program of Livingston County CARES, which includes the college, area religious institutions, local government and community members.  The program won a national award in 2006 for its support of Hurricane Katrina relief efforts in Mississippi.  Geneseo students and others from Livingston County CARES will make their 15^th trip to Mississippi in May to continue the rebuilding efforts.