Hobbies and interests
Dungeons And Dragons
Community Service And Volunteering
American Sign Language (ASL)
Board Games And Puzzles
Running
Reading
Philosophy
Education
Gardening
Reading
Academic
Adventure
Biography
Education
Cultural
Fantasy
Epic
History
Gardening
Leadership
Novels
Science Fiction
Young Adult
I read books daily
Matthew Gwartney
2,285
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FinalistMatthew Gwartney
2,285
Bold Points1x
FinalistBio
I am a higher education professional who is passionate about student success. As a student with unique struggles, I recognize that not ever student's journey looks like the idealized 4-year graduation plan that many high school students set out to achieve. I work to help students write their own stories of success and achieve goals that are defined by them and therefore meaningful to them.
I am a father and husband, and my family is my primary motivation to continue to pursue my own education. Spending time with my son reading, gardening, hiking, and dancing is one of the greatest pleasures in my life.
Education
John Brown University
Master's degree programMajors:
- Education, Other
John Brown University
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
Minors:
- Philosophy
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Master's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
- Education, Other
Career
Dream career field:
Higher Education
Dream career goals:
Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs
Student Success Coordinator
Northeastern State University2021 – Present3 yearsMath Teacher
Northwest Arkansas Classical Academy2020 – 20211 yearParaprofessional Aide
Lewisville High School - Ben Harmon Campus2016 – 20171 yearRetention Specialist
Northeastern State University2019 – 20201 yearAcademic Assistance Coordinator
John Brown University2017 – 20192 years
Sports
Track & Field
Varsity2005 – 20094 years
Awards
- Big Heart Award
Research
Higher Education
John Brown University — Principal Researcher2013 – 2014
Public services
Volunteering
Lewisville Independent School District — Staff support/sponsor2015 – 2017
Future Interests
Advocacy
Volunteering
Philanthropy
Entrepreneurship
Bold Learning and Changing Scholarship
Students are not hardwired to succeed. Every student wants to be successful in high school, college, and beyond, but every student will face obstacles to that success. When my son was born at the start of the global COVID-19 pandemic, I was pursuing my master's degree in higher education, and with this birth of this little boy I was suddenly in the position of suspending my own academic journey, not knowing whether or not I would return to complete the degree.
Every day I work with students to help them set and achieve their academic goals, but one thing my son's birth taught me is that students are not hardwired to succeed. No student arrives at university having completely mastered all the skills they need to be successful, because no student can plan ahead for every obstacle they will face in their time in college. Students need advisors and mentors to come alongside them and walk with them through their academic journey precisely because the student does not have all the answers. When coursework competes with jobs, friendships, and family obligations, students often feel torn between their priorities, and, unfortunately, high school simply does not prepare students for this tug of war. Even seasoned higher education professionals struggle with these sometimes competing priorities.
It is easy to look at some students and think, "They have it all figured out. They have got it together." Often, however, the exact opposite is true. Students need the support of resources, mentors, and advisors to help them navigate the difficult and confusing world of education. The birth of my son showed me that life events can derail even the most motivated of students. It helped me approach my students with more compassion and grace. It made me a better advisor, mentor, and friend.