CHESTERTOWN — Inside a large tent set up on the campus green near William Smith Hall, alumni, faculty, staff, students and other supporters of Washington College — a gathering that numbered in the hundreds — came together last week to celebrate Bryan Matthews ’75 M’86 P’12, who is now officially the 32nd president to lead the institution.
Matthews served as the interim president for the 2025-26 academic year, after which the Board of Visitors and Governors named him to the post with a three-year contract.
He is only the second alumnus to serve as president of Washington College. The first was Joe McLain ’37, a former chemistry professor at his alma mater who was the college president from 1973 until his death in 1981.
The event on Friday, Sept. 25 was a celebration of Matthews’ return home to Washington College, where he not only earned two degrees but has worked in a variety of positions for more than 25 years.
Matthews told the crowd that moving Washington College forward would take the efforts of everyone present, but he then quickly concluded his remarks so the evening could be a celebration before the work began.
“Washington College is a local, state and national treasure,” Matthews said in his brief remarks between a reception and an evening of dancing.
“I am very grateful for this opportunity and this privilege of serving our college. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be in the arena to fight this fight. There is no greater purpose I could have in my life,” he said.
The inauguration was the first event of the 2026 homecoming and Fall Family Weekend, which featured alumni athletic events, reunions, networking events and student presentations.
Peter Maller ‘90, treasurer of the Board of Visitors and Governors, was among the speakers at the inauguration, providing a summary of Matthews’ life and career at Washington College.
Matthews served previously as a lacrosse coach, athletic director, assistant to the president for special projects, associate vice president for administrative services, and interim vice president and dean of students.
“He has spent his career creating opportunities for others,” Maller said. “He has coached young people, mentored colleagues, led teams and departments, and served Washington College in ways both visible and behind the scenes.”
You can watch Matthews’ inauguration on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyM-ToC4Ek8
2 Responses
A great choice. Bryan’s got his feet firmly on the ground and his eye on the ball. He’s an honest straight talker, knows how to lead people and doesn’t crave attention – and there’s no secret where his professional heart lies. Just what the college needs right now. Plus Sue is a great partner and a huge asset in her own right.
Bryan
Your speech was outstanding.
To have an alumni become the WC President is truly outstanding and special.
Regards