Mathis, B. Claude
Biography
Byron Claude Mathis was born in Longview. Texas, on March 10, 1927. He earned his B.A. (1949) and M.A. (1950) degrees at Texas Christian University and his Ph.D. degree (1956) at the University of Texas.
Mathis joined the Northwestern University faculty as assistant professor of education in 1956 and was promoted to associate professor in 1960. In 1965 he became professor of education and psychology. Mathis was also active as an administrator, serving as assistant dean (1964-1965) and associate dean (1966-1969), of the Graduate School; as director of the Center for the Teaching Professions, 1969-1989; as associate dean of the School of Education and Social Policy (1969-1978); and as coordinator of the School's Educational Processes Program Area.
Mathis' major general interest was the application of psychology to education. Most of his research dealt with faculty development, especially to improve the quality of teaching. This is exemplified by his work with the Bush Foundation in the period 1979-1989. The Lilly Endowment also drew on Mathis expertise. He was frequently engaged as a consultant by colleges and universities, as well as by groups active with primary and secondary schools. Mathis spoke frequently before various groups and at numerous institutions. At Northwestern he served on many administrative and search committees, especially those with inter-disciplinary interests.
Mathis married Patricia Ann Putrell; the couple had two children; Byron Claude III, born September 27, 1959, and Deborah Ann, November 22, 1961. Mathis died suddenly on December 20, 1989, in Evanston.