Malinda Matney
Alumni Spotlight
MEET DR. MALINDA MATNEY
Home chapter – Alpha Mu, Tau Beta Sigma @ Wichita State University
Initiation period – Fall 1984
Graduation date – 1988
Major or study concentration – Music and Mathematics
Main Instrument – Percussion and Flute
Current profession – Director of Assessment, Center for Research on Teaching and Learning @ University of Michigan
Current city – Ann Arbor, MI
Why did you join KKPsi or what drew you KKPsi? – "I initially joined TBSigma because of the work that the organizations did to directly serve the band program, from facility repair to section leadership to fundraising to campus leadership. These were the optimistic but hard working people who were working their way through school but yet found time and energy to build a better band program for people around them. Both the Brothers and Sisters at Wichita State were fantastic."
What positions or responsibilities did you hold in your chapter? – "I was chapter parliamentarian, and then chapter president for two years. I also served as district president for two years. Committee wise, I chaired the academic committee, and was part of our convention hosting team for the district convention in 1986."
Name a favorite memory from your Active membership. – "Serving as district president was really a powerful moment to learn about other campuses, chapters, and band programs. That really opened my eyes to the world beyond my campus and my town. So many of the people I met through that role are still dear friends today, and I credit that experience with helping me get my first visits to the places where I would do my master’s degree (University of Colorado) and where I would do my Ph.D. and eventually live (University of Michigan)."
How has KKPsi helped you in the "real world"? (professionally or personally, or both) – "So much of what I’ve done in my career has involved events where we bring people together, help them grow in themed conversations, and create forward plans in well structured meetings. It is as though I’m hosting district conventions every few months in my work, as well as smaller event gatherings along the way. Speaking of meetings, the ability to lead a meeting well and in an organized way is critical to professional success and leadership. Too many people have their first try at leading a meeting well into their professional careers. The lessons I learned leading chapter meetings about how to set an agenda, coach people through the agenda, and keep conversations on topic and constructive have greatly enhanced my ability to work with others and assume academic leadership roles."
Name one thing you want to get out of the NCDAA. – "Socializing! I’m happy to be a person who is a member supporting others’ leadership. I’m excited to see a mix of Brothers across chapters and ages get together and move the organization forward."
Name any of your personal social media accounts that you would like people to connect with you. – https://www.facebook.com/malinda.matney; https://twitter.com/malindamatney