Scholarly Impact
Matthew Eriksen, Ph.D., the Ray Butkus ’73 Professor in Management at Providence College, embarked on an inspiring academic journey from his roots in Pittsburgh. Dr. Eriksen graduated from Penn State University and the University of Pittsburgh where he earned his MBA. His career started in finance at Ford Motor Company, but in 1994, he and his wife moved to Rhode Island for his Ph.D. After completing his doctorate, Matthew’s remarkable professional journey included being a professor at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in Connecticut with a year of leave to be one of TSA’s first 200 employees in Washington, D.C. post-9/11 helping to develop their leadership institute. He then was a professor of leadership at the University of Tampa.
Since 2007, Matthew has dedicated sixteen years to teaching at Providence College, where he has been able to realize his his passion and fulfill his purpose. Driven by innate curiosity, he delves into understanding our human nature and experience, to facilitate students’ wellbeing and the pursuit of their personal potential to live lives of meaning and purpose. To do so, he designs impactful learning experiences that challenge and nurture students, facilitating their growth and self-discovery. Interacting with students, who also serve as his teachers, constitutes the most fulfilling aspect of his career, helping him shape courses that transcend conventional academic norms and resonate with students’ lives.
Dr. Eriksen attributes the advancement of his scholarly pursuits directly to the Ray Butkus ’73 Professorship. Supported by the professorship, he attends academic conferences to present his research, foster connections, and learn from peers in his field. These experiences continue to enrich his teaching as he integrates cutting-edge approaches and techniques into his courses. Moreover, the funding enables Dr. Eriksen to engage in professional development activities that refine his teaching methods and the assignments he designs. Reflecting on his classroom philosophy, a former student shared, “I’m aware and noticing all the different emotions when I’m stressed or going through something difficult… something I don’t think I was doing before participating in [Dr. Eriksen’s] class.” This testament to the mindful practices imparted by Matthew’s teaching style demonstrates the tangible impact felt by his students.
Raymond T. Butkus ’73 established the Ray Butkus ’73 Professorship in Management in 2021 to support exceptional faculty teaching, research, and innovation for three years. His experience in teaching management at Saint Peter’s University inspired his commitment to management education and teaching excellence.
Professorships like the Ray Butkus ’73 Professorship in Management illustrate philanthropy’s crucial role in higher education. These highly esteemed positions honor faculty excellence and empower scholarly pursuits, enhancing student education. Dr. Eriksen embodies this transformative impact, reflecting that
…such donor support allows a dean to reward, recognize, support and retain dedicated faculty that are high performers who meaningfully contribute to the mission of Providence College.
Donor philanthropy and support directly enriches Matthew’s teaching innovations, producing results in faculty and student success.
