President Bette Matkowski Honored for Her 40 Years in Education

2009 has been a year of milestones for Bette Matkowski, president of Johnson & Wales University's Denver Campus.

On Fri, Mar 20, the university hosted a luncheon in recognition of her 40 years of distinguished service in education. By official proclamation of Governor Bill Ritter, Jr., it was declared Bette Matkowski Day in the state of Colorado.

Governor Ritter wrote, “Bette Matkowski, president of the Denver Campus of Johnson & Wales University, has displayed intelligence, warmth, and energy throughout her career... [She] has devoted herself to improving the educational opportunities and experiences for individuals in local, regional, and national communities through her leadership, initiative, and lifelong commitment to learning.

"The State of Colorado honors President Bette Matkowski for her lengthy service to our community, and for her advocacy on behalf of higher education in Colorado and the nation.”

Pictured here with her husband Joe and daughter Anne, President Matkowski was the first person in her family to graduate from college. Following graduation, she taught high school English for ten years. In 1984, Matkowski became coordinator of instruction at the Community College of Vermont, where she rapidly advanced to the position of dean of enrollment and advancement.

In 2000, Matkowski accepted the presidency of Lamar Community College in Lamar, Colorado, where she was responsible for rebuilding the agriculture and horse training programs, offering free English classes to Hispanic community residents, and committing the college to hosting the central hub of the Pierre Auger Cosmic Ray Laboratory.

In 2004, Matkowski became JWU’s Denver Campus president. In this position, she oversees the implementation of the university’s strategic plan, FOCUS 2011, and leads the way for further strengthening of academic and student life experiences on campus. One of the main tenets of FOCUS 2011 is to increase student enrollment and retention.

Currently, more than 85% of JWU students receive financial aid, and more than 90% borrow a loan. President Matkowski is committed to making higher education accessible and affordable. JWU increased scholarship funding by 31% this academic year, for a total of $96 million allotted to students universitywide. The Denver Campus increased student institutional aid to $10.8 million.