Kathryn “Kit” Matthew has joined the LSU College of Art & Design administration in the newly created role of Doctor of Design Distinguished Fellow. Distinguished Fellows are appointed by the Dean of the College of Art & Design to reflect significant professional accomplishments in the fields of cultural history and preservation; museum studies or administration; design of built works; or other areas relevant to the College of Art & Design’s curricula and mission.

Kathryn K. Matthew

Dr. Matthew’s appointment recognizes her work within the cultural sector, including in the design of community-based exhibits and programs. In addition she has led the transformation of cultural organizations through expansions, organizational design and branding, and creative cross-sector partnerships. Most recently she led a national federal grantmaker with an emphasis on the contributions of museums, libraries and archives to community wellbeing.

In the role of Distinguished Fellow, her aims are to extend the reach and relevance of the doctorate program’s current specialization in cultural preservation through complementary practices such as community engagement, participatory design and evaluation, and collections stewardship and access. She envisions building even stronger connections between doctoral students’ research, regional cultural institutions and their communities.

Read more about Dr. Matthew’s background and research interests.

“Since she recently joined the College, Dr. Matthew has already made valuable contributions to the DDes program and a vision of cultural preservation in Louisiana. I am sure that our collaboration will continue to be inspiring and productive,” said Alkis Tsolakis, dean of the College of Art & Design. “A warm welcome from all of us at the College of Art & Design.”

The LSU Doctor of Design in Cultural Preservation program, launched in 2017, is one of the only programs of its kind at a public university in the United States. Doctor of Design candidates examine the many ways in which the study, preservation, and enhancement of cultural initiatives and resources benefit the economy of communities and the quality of life for their residents. The multidisciplinary degree was created to meet increasing demands for advanced training and experimentation in the management and preservation of cultural heritage.