‘I’m just doing what I’m supposed to do’

Community Service 2011

Related Photos

Paul Mathis has worked his way up the educational ladder while in the Army National Guard. (Staff Photo by BILLY HEFTON)
New NWOSU logo.jpg

Discussion

April 16, 2011

‘I’m just doing what I’m supposed to do’

Mathis has served as educator and in the National Guard

By Joe Malan, Staff Writer Enid News and Eagle The Enid News and Eagle Sat Apr 16, 2011, 05:04 PM CDT

Paul Mathis has worked his way up the educational ladder.

He has earned an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree, and he is working on obtaining a doctorate.

It should come as a surprise to no one, then, the Northwestern Oklahoma State University professor is a big supporter of education.

“Education is the reason why I am where I am currently,” Mathis said. “It’s totally changed my status, my life. I think education’s a difference maker. I think in America it’s the great equalizer, quite frankly.”

Mathis is an assistant professor of education at NWOSU. He is in his third year at the school and previously taught seventh- and ninth-grade English at Longfellow Middle School. He did that for 11 years.

But he has done all of this while serving in the Army National Guard — for 21 years, to be precise.

Mathis has served many different communities during his tenure in the Guard, including in the summer of 1998, when he helped transport hay from one end of the state to another to aid drought-stricken farmers.

“It was a fascinating mission,” Mathis said. “I learned more about Oklahoma than I’ve known my whole life.”

Last June, another event Mathis served in was Operation Golden Coyote, a mission to deliver firewood to American Indian tribes in South Dakota.

“Different units would do it annually,” Mathis said. “It just happened to be our unit.”

Serving on these different missions has not only taught Mathis flexibility but gratefulness as well.

Seeing the conditions of poverty in Iraq has taught him to be continually grateful to live in America, he said.

Throughout his experiences, whether it be the Army or education, he has maintained humility.

“I feel like I’m just doing what I’m supposed to do,” Mathis said. “I’m not a big self-promoter.”

Mathis’ future plans in-clude finishing his dissertation and obtaining a doctorate through Oklahoma State University. He hopes to stay at Northwestern for a while and maybe expand into some administrative duties.

“I do a lot of administrative duties through the military,” Mathis said.

But, he said, he goes wherever life takes him.

“I just want to make a positive difference in people’s lives.”

Mark Luetkemeyer, assistant principal at Emerson Middle School, said he has known Mathis for many years and has always gotten along great with him.

“He had a lot of students who enjoyed his teaching style and the (activities) he would do in class,” Luetke-meyer said.

Veterans Day activities also seemed very important to Mathis, he added.

Text Only

Community Service 2011

Community Service 2011
One of the attributes of living in Enid and Northwest Oklahoma is the abundant pride residents have in its people, land and businesses. The 2011 News & Eagle Progress edition highlights these areas and pays tribute to all of those who make our region shine 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

April 16, 2011 1 Photo
A spirit of past, present, future
Residents of Enid and northwest Oklahoma should be proud of their service, which no doubt will continue to be a hallmark of the region and a picture of pride.

April 16, 2011 1 Photo
Century of service
One of the P.E.O.’s primary projects is to sponsor a scholarship for an Enid student going to college with the intention of majoring in music.

April 16, 2011 1 Photo
It takes a team
“Everyone ... is dedicated to making things work and won’t give up easy.” — Jim Hartzell, city of Enid

April 16, 2011 2 Photos
Snow’s purpose: Just to be there
“Naoma shoveled the snow for our first patient, and she has gone above and beyond for all our patients since then.” — Julie Nelson, volunteer coordinator for Hospice Circle of Love.

April 16, 2011 1 Photo
Enid Rotary Club flavors its fundraising
Festival of Flavor, sponsored by Enid Rotary Club, raised money for two projects — one local and one international. The lion’s share of the proceeds from the event will fund technology purchases for Emerson Middle School.

April 16, 2011 4 Photos
‘I’m just doing what I’m supposed to do’
“Education is the reason why I am where I am currently. It’s totally changed my status, my life. I think education’s a difference maker. I think in America it’s the great equalizer, quite frankly.” — Paul Mathis

April 16, 2011 2 Photos
On the right trail
“My enthusiasm comes from recognizing that Enid needs more outdoor activities that people can do every day. Not to mention it is dangerous to ride a bike or run or walk in Enid.” — Matt Davis

April 16, 2011 1 Photo
Serving Enid a Return Engagement for JWL
Enid’s Junior Welfare League began in the fall of 1930 by women who saw a need in the Enid community during the Great Depression.

April 16, 2011 2 Photos
Do anything to give kids a chance
“It costs money for kids to play sports these days. Kids don’t have money to do that. We decided if kids wanted to play, they would play." — Sonny Lawrence

April 16, 2011 2 Photos
More Community Service 2011 Headlines

Community Service 2011

Search Results

Related Photos

Discussion

‘I’m just doing what I’m supposed to do’

Mathis has served as educator and in the National Guard

Site Map

Contact Us