Posted by Philip Poole on 2007-11-30

Joseph W. "Bill" Mathews Jr. has been named vice president for institutional advancement at Judson College, effective Jan. 1, 2008.

Mathews retired in May after seven years as vice president for business affairs at Samford University. He also had served as Samford's general counsel, including during his years as a partner in the Birmingham firm of Lange Simpson Robinson and Somerville.

At Judson, Mathews will direct the college division that includes development, alumnae affairs and public relations. Judson, located in Marion, Ala., is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist Convention, as is Samford.

"This is a great opportunity for both Bill and Judson," said Samford President Andrew Westmoreland. "Bill has a deep appreciation for Alabama's Black Belt region, and this is an opportunity for him to be even more directly involved in the renaissance of that region.

"His service to Samford spans years and student generations, and we are grateful for all that he has done on behalf of the University."

Mathews earned an associate of arts degree from Marion Military Institute, a bachelor's degree from Birmingham-Southern College and the J.D. degree from Vanderbilt University. Hear also earned a master's degree in tax law from the University of Florida.

He and his wife, Melinda, live in Homewood, Ala.

"We are elated by the prospect of Mr. Mathews' leadership and work on behalf of Judson College," said Judson President David Potts. "His significant record of achievement and his service to our community bode well for further progress at the college."

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.