Dr. Mathews is serving as chair of the department and Director of Choral Activities. He directs the Singers and Proclamation. He also brings expertise in music theory and will teach classes in that area. Chris Mathews is one of Union's own: he attended Union from 1991-95 and studied with some of the professors who are now his colleagues. He went on to earn a Master of Music at Southwest Missouri State University and Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Kentucky. Dr. Mathews served as Director of Choral Activities at Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, before accepting this position at Union. He also brings experience as a Minister of Music at churches in Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, and South Carolina to the job. Dr. Mathews moved to West Tennessee over the summer with his wife Leslie, also a Union alum, and three daughters.
Dr. Okpebholo taught at Northern Kentucky University and Cincinnati State Technical and Community college before joining our faculty. He attended Asbury College as an undergraduate and earned his advanced degrees from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. At Union, he teaches music theory, ear training and sight singing, and composition. He also oversees the music technology lab. Dr. Okpebholo is an active composer with numerous commissions, publications, and awards to his credit. He is joined in Jackson by his wife Dorthy.
