Majors: Economics (BA), Urban Affairs (MA)

Hometown: Richardson, Texas

Residence: Bastrop, Texas

Family: wife Nancy, daughters Susan and Jennifer

Occupation: I retired in 2003 as associate vice chancellor for governmental relations for The University of Texas System. I am presently engaged in a research project examining collaborations among public schools and higher education institutions that are designed to enable more young Texans to participate and succeed in college. In addition, I am serving as mayor of Bastrop and chair of the Bastrop Economic Development Corp.

UTA student involvement: Like many students of my era, I was a part-time student and full-time worker. As a graduate student, however, I was employed as a research fellow at the Institute of Urban Studies (now the School of Urban and Public Affairs). For about a year and a half, I had the unique opportunity to fully enjoy college life. The students, staff and faculty at the institute were very close, and we enjoyed many common interests outside the classroom, including playing golf and intramural basketball.

Favorite professors: My favorites were in the Institute of Urban Studies. In alphabetical order, they were Jim Cornehls, Paul Geisel and Del Taebel. Beginning in the late '60s, these men helped create what has become one of the most successful programs of its type in the nation. I always felt lucky and privileged to be among the first group of students to be involved in the work of the institute. Since the early '70s, when I was in residence as a student, I have also come to know many of the new faculty and staff who have joined the institute, such as Dean Richard Cole, and now count them among my favorites as well.

Fondest UTA memory: I have many good memories of UTA, not only as a student but those accumulated throughout my professional life. However, the night I walked across the stage of Texas Hall to receive my diploma still counts as a singularly important event in my life.

Hobbies: Spending time with my family is very important. Although my grandson wears me out, I have fun playing baseball in the yard with him?when I win. I also enjoy barbecuing.

Why be involved in the Alumni Association: UTA is one of Texas' most valuable assets. Approximately 100,000 students have graduated from UTA since it joined the U.T. System. The value added to our state, not only through the University's academic programs, but also through its research and service programs, is enormous. I know personally the good UTA can accomplish, and supporting UTA in its mission is a natural.

— Beverlee Matthys