As we advance our strategic plan and vision to see graduates equipped for life, Trinity Western University is pleased to announce the promotion of Laurie R. Matthias, EdD, to vice provost of Academic Excellence.
Dr. Matthias joined TWU in 2019 as associate provost of Teaching and Learning, where she oversees the leadership of the Learning Commons, library, program development and review, faculty professional development, and core curriculum team. Dr. Matthias champions the flourishing of faculty in their calling to the professoriate, particularly as it relates to teaching and learning. She leads faculty professional learning and develops and implements strategies to assess and strengthen TWU’s teaching and learning experience for students and faculty.
Now with the expansion of her role to vice provost of Academic Excellence, Dr. Matthias will continue to lead all areas under teaching and learning while broadening her focus to support the provost in the implementation of the Office of the Provost’s purpose to equip, edify, and unify the academic body for student success and a flourishing university.
To better represent the additional responsibilities under Dr. Matthias’ purview, as of July 1, the Office of Teaching and Learning has changed its name to the Office of Academic Excellence, with Laurie Matthias as vice provost, Academic Excellence.
As vice provost of Academic Excellence, Dr. Matthias will provide oversight and advancement of faculty flourishing in their teaching and learning and faith integration. She will foster greater excellence in all of TWU’s academic operations in compliance with the Degree Quality Assessment Board of British Columbia. She will lead initiatives to support high quality, transformational learning experiences for all students, aligned with the Student Learning Outcomes. She will further promote initiatives to ensure excellence in academic operations in support of TWU’s strategic plan.
Dr. Matthias is dedicated to supporting the University in prioritizing academic quality and a holistic approach, through integrating faith and learning and promoting a biblical understanding of diversity within the TWU community. Her vision for authentic community is rooted in Christ’s work of redemption, reconciliation, and renewal. She values each person’s role and contribution to the mission of the University and enjoys the synergy of collaboration and cooperation. A gifted teacher and an effective organizational leader, Laurie is known for her strengths in inspiring students, staff, and faculty to work in partnership towards shared goals and facilitating organic dialogue.
Before joining TWU, she spent 12 years at Trinity International University in Deerfield, Illinois, as an education faculty member. Notably, she was the only faculty member to receive the President’s Prize for Excellence in Scholarship and Teaching twice in five years. Dr. Matthias directed graduate programs and founded the Center for Integrative Faculty Development, a university-wide initiative to honour the contributions of faculty members and encourage their growth in all professional areas.
“Over the past five years, Dr. Matthias has done an incredible job of advancing TWU’s academic excellence and helping our faculty members to flourish,” Dr. Todd Martin, interim president and provost, remarks. “We are excited to see that expand in her new role as vice provost of academic excellence. Please join me in offering Dr. Matthias our full support as she continues to build upon TWU’s teaching excellence, foster our faculty’s professional development, and strengthen our integration of faith and learning.”
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Laurie Matthias on her promotion to vice provost of Academic Excellence.
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is a global Christian liberal arts university. We are dedicated to equipping students to discover meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. Drawing upon the riches of the Christian tradition, seeking to unite faith and reason through teaching and scholarship, Trinity Western University is a degree-granting research institution offering liberal arts and sciences as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has locations in Canada: Langley, Richmond-Lansdowne, Richmond-Minoru, and Ottawa. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Instagram @trinitywestern, Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn. For media inquiries, please contact: media@twu.ca.