Dr. Nick Mathews is a two-time graduate of the University of Missouri, a veteran newsroom leader, a respected mentor and teacher and a prolific and award-winning academic scholar. From his first day as a freshman in 1997 to earning a master’s degree in 2019 to his current position as an assistant professor, Dr. Mathews proudly proclaims he is #MizzouMade. 

Dr. Mathews is a leading researcher of rural and local news and information ecosystems. His work has earned top-paper honors at ICA and AEJMC conferences and has been published in top peer-reviewed journals. In much of his research, Dr. Mathews seeks to represent the audience, translating their lived experiences for news organizations to help improve those news organizations’ stability and viability in their communities. Ultimately, Dr. Mathews’ goal is to help journalism — through his scholarship, teaching and service to the field. 

Before earning his doctorate from the University of Minnesota, he worked in the news industry for 22 years, including positions as the sports editor at the Houston Chronicle and a regional editor-in-chief for Berkshire-Hathaway.