Dr. Wayne Matthews holds his award for the Alice P. Naylor Outstanding Dissertation Award.

slideshow

Wayne Matthews, director of the Yadkin Center of Surry Community College, has earned the highest academic honor that an Appalachian State University doctoral student can receive, according to the ASU’s website.

Matthews accepted the Alice P. Naylor Outstanding Dissertation Award, which was presented by Dr. Jim Killacky, Director of Doctoral Programs and Dr. Alice P. Naylor, Director Emeritus, at the Spring Doctoral Symposium held at Forsyth Tech on April 19.

Matthews completed an Ed.D in Education Leadership with this successful dissertation. He also completed an Ed.S. in Higher Education from ASU in 2008.

Matthews’ dissertation examined the relationship between spirituality and transformational leadership among North Carolina community college presidents to analyze the qualities of a well-prepared leader. The qualitative study included eight community college presidents who were purposefully selected, observed and interviewed with the intent of investigating the relationship of their spirituality as to their leadership style, what activities have guided the development of their spirituality and leadership and how they mentor followers. The data collected suggested that these presidents relied heavily on their spirituality to support and guide the leadership process.

Matthews’ career with SCC began in 1994 when he was hired as the Coordinator of Continuing Education in Yadkin County. He was later promoted to Director of Continuing Education and then Coordinator of The Yadkin Center. He has been The Yadkin Center Director since 2010. Matthews has a B.S. in Biology from Appalachian State University and a M.Ed. in Science Education from UNC-Greensboro. He also holds NC EMT-Basic and NC Level I Instructor credentials.

Matthews has been a member of the Yadkin County Rescue Squad for 30 years and served as the chief for six years. He is also active in the Yadkin County Smart Start and has served as chairman. He is also heavily involved in the Yadkin County Economic Development Council, Yadkin County Tourism Development Authority, Yadkin County Fire Chiefs’ Committee, Yadkin County EMS Q & I Committee, Yadkin County Library Board, Yadkin Valley Community Hospital Advisory Board, Richmond Hill Law School Commission and Surry County Housing Consortium.

Matthews has also received the following awards and honors: Yadkin County Chamber of Commerce Public Service Award, Yadkin County Rescue Squad Member of the Year, Duke Power Citizenship and Service Award, and Yadkin County Chamber of Commerce Chairman’s Award.

Matthews, of East Bend, is married to Loretta, and they have two children, son Wes and daughter Abby Salas, who is married to Quermit.