Denise L. Smith Volunteer of the Year - Truman State University

Dr. Jamie Matthews (’08)

Since graduating from Truman in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and Sociology/Anthropology, Dr. Jamie Matthews has spent her career in higher education. Her career in higher education began at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where she held positions in University Housing and the Student Union. Since joining the University of Arizona in 2016, Jamie has advanced into her current role as interim director for residential education, providing leadership to dozens of full-time employees and hundreds of student staff members who support 23 residence halls housing more than 7,000 students.

During her time at Truman, Jamie spent three years completing undergraduate research with Dr. Michele Breault, examining the factors of happiness and wellbeing in college students. She was involved in and held leadership positions with Residence Life, Residence Hall Association, National Residence Hall Honorary and Student Ambassadors. Jamie also played string bass in the Truman State University Symphony Orchestra.

Jamie completed a master’s degree in student affairs in higher education from Miami University in 2010 and finished a college teaching certificate from the University of Arizona in 2021. She earned a Ph.D. in higher education from the University of Arizona in 2026. Her research focused on the experiences of college housing professionals, examining how organizational structures, expectations, and support systems shape staff wellbeing and effectiveness.

Jamie regularly presents at regional and national housing conferences on topics such as supervision, emotional intelligence, and assessment. At the University of Arizona, she incorporates teaching both in the classroom and in co-curricular settings while also implementing student engagement initiatives, working with campus partners to integrate student support and academic services into the on-campus experience. Jamie also plays string bass with the Civic Orchestra of Tucson and volunteers her time supporting Instrument Petting Zoos and serving as the organization’s Social Media Manager.

Continuing to stay connected to Truman, Jamie has been a member of the Arizona Alumni Chapter and National Alumni Association for many years. She served as the Arizona Chapter Representative, Vice President, and President of the National Alumni Board of Directors and during her tenure she served on the Strategic Plan committee and helped rewrite the bylaws to reflect the transition to a National Chapter Model. Jamie also helped organize the inaugural “Paint the Town Purple” event to connect with alumni in the Phoenix area and organized a ResLife virtual reunion in 2025, which was recognized as the Bulldog Forever Initiative of the Year.

About the Award:

The Truman State University Alumni Association created the Bulldog Forever Volunteer of the Year Award in 2012 to honor a volunteer leader for exemplary service to the University through the Alumni Association or any of its affiliated organizations. In 2019, the name of the award was changed to the Denise L. Smith Volunteer of the Year Award in honor of the late Denise Smith, who served as the director of alumni relations at Truman for many years.

This award recognizes individuals who have sustained outstanding volunteer service to Truman State University through the Alumni Association and reflects length and depth of service on the part of the recipient.

Each year, one award is given to a member of the Truman Alumni Association who is a current member of a chapter and/or club. The Alumni Association encourages and appreciates the financial support of alumni gifts to the University. However, the Volunteer Award is intended for and elevates the service and time given to the University by our volunteers.

Nomination Criteria:

- Have an exemplary record of making a significant contribution of volunteer time, talents, and service to Truman State University, particularly within the past year (July 1 – June 30).
- Provide a significant contribution toward the mission of Truman State University and/or the mission of the Alumni Association.
- Advance the goals of the Alumni Association Strategic Plan.

Nomination form

Previous Recipients

2025: Zac Burden (’03, ’09)
2024: Nick Ponche (’17)
2023: Brad Borgstede (’80)
2022: Brian Krippner (’89)
2021: JoEllen (Flanagan) Engelbart (’11)
2020: Hope (Slaby) Harms (’07)
2019: John W. Davison (’75, ’81, ’84)
2018: Phillip Campbell (’06)
2017: Gerald Hollingsworth (’67) & Karol Hollingsworth
2016: Marsha Redmon (’79)
2016: Chris Wiedmeyer (’96)
2015: Naomal “Vid” Vidyasagara (’92)
2014: Michael A. Wilson (’91)
2013: Tania Cook (’85)
2012: Will Sass (’72, ’77)