Conservationism Seeded at Early Age for Vice
Chancellor of Resource Management and Planning
Gary Matthews Discusses Career as Part of Leadership Lecture Series
Ioana Patringenaru | May 4, 2009
Ask Vice Chancellor Gary Matthews to talk about his career, and he will often come back to his childhood in New York City. His parents stressed education and made sure all three of their children became the first college graduates in the family. Two went on to earn master’s degrees.
Mathews’ parents also taught him about conservation. They would always remind him to turn off the lights. As a child, he would collect glass bottles and trade them in for cash—which he would use to buy candy.
Since then, Matthews has built a career in higher education and sustainability initiatives have been at heart of his tenure at UC San Diego, first as assistant vice chancellor for Auxiliary Plant & Services and now as vice chancellor of Resource Management and Planning.
Matthews shared secrets to his successful career and childhood memories Wednesday during this academic year’s last Perspectives in Leadership talk. The talks are fashioned after the “Inside the Actors Studio” series offered on the Bravo network and fit squarely within UCSD’ succession planning efforts, said Grace Balch, director of Staff Education and Development.
The goal is to give participants an innovative and informative look at leadership in higher education. Associate Vice Chancellor Stacie Spector interviews the series’ guests, who talk about their careers and their experiences and share lessons they learned. “Gary has one of the most dynamic vice chancellor areas,” Spector said. “It is pivotal for the work that we all do.” During his hourlong chat, Matthews said that his goal is to put the welfare of the university first.
“The campus is far greater than any individual,” he said. “I will do the best I can with what I’ve been given; the best I can for everyone.”
Sustainability and budget challenges
Matthews answered questions from Associate Vice Chancellor Stacie Spector and audience members.
In his work for the common good, sustainability has become one of Matthews’ main focuses at UCSD. He has been instrumental in formalizing a campuswide LEED policy that applies to all new construction and rehabilitation projects. Under his leadership, UCSD was recognized as a climate action leader by the California Climate Action Registry and has received numerous awards.
Matthews explained that he sees sustainability and conservation as essential for all. We all need drinkable water and clean air and our environment is a finite resource, he said. “We’ve got to maintain it for the next generation,” he added.
Matthews also has become the chief budget officer for UCSD and is managing a difficult environment, Spector said. The challenge is not entirely new, Matthews pointed out. As assistant vice chancellor, he used to manage a unit that had to make its own money and provide services on a daily basis. One thing is sure, he said. “This is a great university, and you’ve made it great,” he said. “And it will continue to be great.”
Career path
During Wednesday’s talk, Matthews also discussed his unusual career path. After earning a bachelor’s degree in government, he worked in Student Affairs. He went back for a masters’ degree in social welfare after seven years in the workforce. He earned his advanced degree at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, where he went on to work for 26 years.
Matthews started off as an assistant director of the campus’ Student Union, then worked in Residence Life, before moving to a job as director of Physical Plant for Residential Operations. His career at Stony Brook also included a stint as director of Human Resources and special assistant to the president for Affirmative Action. Finally, he was promoted to assistant vice president of Administration before coming to UCSD.
Many turned out to hear Matthews speak.
Matthews explained that he likes new experiences and the opportunity to shift gears. The various changes suited him because he likes to gather information and learn new things, he said. The desire to do more for a larger number of people motivated his decision to move into top administrative jobs, he explained.
In 2002, Matthews decided to try a new adventure and joined UCSD. At Stony Brook, he had become the old timer in meetings—and he didn’t like that. He also thought he could contribute something to our campus. “When I turned 50, I needed some extra parts, and so does this campus,” he said. “I thought I could help with that.”
After the talk, staff member J.V. Agnew, from the School of International Relations and Pacific Studies, said she learned a lot by listening to Matthews and was impressed by his selflessness. “He’s someone willing to put the campus before himself,” she said admiringly.
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