Washington College Names Interim President

A 1975 graduate of the College, Bryan Matthews has worked at Washington for more than 25 years throughout his career, serving in roles in athletics, admissions, student affairs, and the president’s office.

The Board of Visitors and Governors announced this morning that it has hired Bryan Matthews ’75 to serve as interim president of Washington College. 

Matthews’ degrees from Washington—a B.A. in political science and a M.A. psychology—are only the beginning of his experience with the College. As a former captain of the lacrosse team, he was well-suited for his first position at Washington when he served as lacrosse coach and assistant director of admissions from 1978 to 1982. 

After coaching and teaching at the United States Naval Academy for 12 years, Matthews returned to Washington and spent the next 23 years in many leadership roles: director of athletics, assistant to the president for special projects, associate vice president of administrative services, and interim vice president and dean of students. During this period at the College, Matthews earned his Ed.D. in Educational Leadership & Innovation from Wilmington University.

Even since leaving Washington College, Matthews has continued to be a leader in the Chestertown community, first serving as vice president of KRM Development Corporation and most recently as director of community & government relations for the Dixon Group. He has also served Kent County through volunteer work, previously serving as president of the Kent County Chamber of Commerce and currently on the boards for the Mid Shore Community Foundation and Kent County Character Counts.  

“His deep familiarity with Washington College, Chestertown, Kent County, and the Eastern Shore will be a considerable asset during this interim period,” said Richard T. Wheeler ’86, chair of the Washington College Board of Visitors and Governors. “The Board is especially focused on the strategic goals of student success and outcomes, as outlined in our existing strategic framework. We believe Bryan’s unique perspective and extensive experience position him well to contribute meaningfully to these priorities during this transitional period.” 

The Board has set a term of up to two years for this interim appointment, leaving ample time for the College to launch a national search for the next permanent president. Matthews will provide leadership and support for many initiatives already underway throughout Washington, from curricular innovation led by faculty to recruitment, marketing, and administrative advancements. These efforts will continue to increase enrollment, improve the College experience for students, and amplify the positive impact that Washington College and the campus can have on Chestertown and the region. 

"Washington College has been central to my career and life for 50 years now, just as it has been for so many others,” Matthews said. “I am humbled by the confidence and trust the Board of Visitors and Governors has placed in me, and I am thrilled for the opportunity to lead the extraordinary faculty, staff, and students in our shared work of education, service, and community engagement.”