August 31, 2023
Wendy Mathews retires after 23 years of service with K-State
After 10 years with the Office of International Programs and a total of almost 23 years with Kansas State University, Wendy Matthews is retiring from K-State on Aug. 31. Matthews currently serves as assistant director for special programs/sponsored students.
Matthews began her career with K-State in 1983 in Personnel Services and quickly climbed the ladder. In 1984, Matthews moved to the Office of Admissions and over the next six years, advanced through transfer coordinator to assistant direct for transfer students. During this time, she co-chaired Barbara Baker's first Racial and Ethnic Harmony Week event.
Returning to K-State in 2012, Matthews worked in the Graduate School, International Admissions, and in 2013 joined the Office of International Programs working with the sponsored student population. Matthews has extensive professional experience, institutional knowledge and a strong family history with K-State.
"K-State runs in my family!" Matthews said. "My dad and my brother studied here; my mom retired from here, my sister just retired from here, I got a master's here, and three of my kids went here."
Matthews is a highly dedicated team member who was always willing to go the extra mile, adapt as needed and worked diligently during her professional career to internationalize the K-State campus. Matthews will be missed by her co-workers, the campus community and the many students she worked with.
"Wendy Matthews always put the students first and made it a point for her office to solve any student problem or issue presented," said Grant Chapman, associate provost for international programs.
Matthews shared that she has made the trek up the Vattier Street hill more than 4,600 times and is looking forward to retirement as it will give her more time to spend with her children and grandchildren.
Matthews works hybrid and wishes to celebrate her retirement from home. To honor her request, you may contact Matthews personally to congratulate her on this retirement at zwendy@k-state. An online Kudoboard has been set up so that you can extend your best wishes for her next adventure.