Tarleton welcomes a new Dean for the Graduate College

BY COPELAND WELCH / Multimedia Journalist  

Dr. Michael Mathis will be named the Dean of the Tarleton State University Graduate College beginning on Nov. 1, following approval from Texas A&M University.  

Dr. Mathis’ credentials include doctorates in biochemistry from the UT Southwestern Medical Center, and in higher education administration from the University of Alabama, a Masters in Health Administration from Louisiana State University in Shreveport and Bachelor’s in chemistry from Texas A&M University.   

Before coming to Tarleton, Mathis served the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth. He held the position as Dean of the School of Biomedical Sciences for almost five years.

In the past, Mathis has been heavily involved in various research projects. Including gynecologic cancer and the impact of tobacco smoke particularly on fetal development.

Dr. Mathis has big plans when it comes to improving the Graduate College. He plans to work with North Central Texas business and industry leaders, along with Tarleton faculty, the community and educational partners to expand the degrees offered plus add new ones.

“Tarleton State has become a leading institution in graduate education and research,” Dr. Mathis said to a reporter from The Flash Today. “I am fully committed to its mission of fostering student opportunities and spurring regional growth. My goal is to fortify partnerships and academic programs that resonate with the North Central Texas workforce and economy.” 

The current degree offerings for the Tarleton Graduate College will soon expand as there are plans to launch a PhD in animal and natural sciences in fall 2024. Also, doctoral programs are being released in 2025, including a Doctor of Occupational Therapy. Also PhDs in applied mathematics, integrative business and experimental psychology.