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20 Jul 2010 10:01:41
It was described as the “end of the Mathews’ era” by Paul Burns, Dean of the Business School as colleagues gathered to say goodbye to husband and wife Brian and Ann Mathews who are retiring after each serving 15 years at the University.
Ann, who was most recently Associate Dean at the Business School, began her career at the University as Head of the Department of Marketing - a role which Brian took over three years ago. But Ann has also been Head of Tourism, Business Systems and Law while at the University. “Ann probably knows more about Business School courses than anybody else and will be sorely missed,” said Paul Burns. “Her contribution to the Faculty over the years has been enormous. She has played a key role in building the reputation of the School and has helped drive projects to develop a Masters of Business Management Suite of qualifications and the creation of the Pod learning spaces in the Business School.”
Brian, who like Ann was at Teeside and Strathclyde Universities before coming to the University of Bedfordshire, was recognised as a professor in 2000 and became the first director of the Business and Management Research Institute in 2004. He has been an active researcher himself, working recently with the Visit Britain tourism agency, and advocate of research at the University and more widely. “Brian could always be relied upon to give critical but constructive comments on research that was greatly appreciated by staff and students alike,” said Paul.
The couple’s sons, David and Simon, have also held teaching roles at the University.
Ann said: “We will remember our time at the University as a tremendously enjoyable experience working with a great team of people.”
The couple now plan to take a ‘gap’ year travelling to Italy, Berlin and to visit Simon who is teaching English in Thailand.
