Dirk Matthews Selected as Senior Director of Alumni Relations

News Office Staff / Mar 09, 2020

Dirk Mathews
Columbia alum excited to serve the college in a new role.

Earlier today, Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations, Shawn Wax, announced the selection of Dirk Matthews ‘02 to serve as the new Senior Director of Alumni Relations. A longtime member of the Columbia community, Dirk graduated with a degree in Film and Video (now CTVA). Dirk has spent twenty years on staff with the college’s Career Center in addition to serving as an adjunct faculty member. Dirk will continue to assist the Career Center as needed for the remainder of the semester. Dirk starts his new role with Development and Alumni Relations on Tuesday, March 10.

“Dirk has been a valued member of our campus community for over two decades and in that time, he has demonstrated his ability to nurture and grow meaningful relationships with faculty, students, alumni, as well as corporate and industry partners. I am confident he will forge innovative pathways to better serve our alumni and build programs that foster a lifelong engagement with the college,” stated Shawn Wax.

Dirk began his professional career at Columbia as an adjunct faculty member teaching film production and film theory classes. In 2000, Dirk joined the advising staff in the Career Center, providing internship and career counseling to students in the Film and Video department. His success as an advisor led to increased leadership roles in the Career Center, expanding his impact on students across campus. In 2004, Dirk co-founded the Portfolio Center, a resource to assist students develop their professional portfolios. In 2009, Dirk was honored by NASPA (National Association of Student Personnel Administrators) with a Silver Award for his exceptional service to Columbia students.

“I am excited to join the Development and Alumni Relations team as we seek to holistically serve the needs of the institution and strategically increase opportunities for alumni to connect with students and the campus,” said Dirk Matthews. “I’m eager to get started and look forward to working with our alumni community.”

Dirk Matthews’ office will be located at 600 South Michigan, Fourth Floor, Suite 400.

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