Staff Spotlight: Ruth Mathews

BY JESSICA LACANNE
Cardinal Staff

Dr. Ruth Mathews is the clinical psychologist in the Saint Mary’s University Jay Johnson Wellness Center on campus and has been for the last seven years.

Mathews sees students for various issues ranging from depression to desiring a better relationship with a significant
other. Mathews specializes in biological disorders, which include bipolar disorder and depression. She also specializes in dealing with trauma recovery and identity issues.

Mathews thoroughly enjoys working with the students and said, “Helping the students be all they can be in this lifetime is the best part about working here.”

SMU students can go to Mathews in order to grow personally and develop to their full potential. According to Mathews, “Personalities are just getting set at this age and are easily influenced.”

After graduating from SMU, Mathews received her Masters in Counseling and worked at SMU counseling and tutoring. She then moved to the cities, where she earned her doctorate. When the job opened up to be one of the psychologists at SMU, Mathews found she was right back where she started.

Along with being the psychologist, Mathews teaches two classes at SMU. One, for the hall directors is about how to help students and a class for the PASS program. She also works with the Winona County Adult Sexual Assault Interagency Council, which allows Mathews to “train the RA’s and hall directors how to develop a victim-sensitive response.”

Students just looking to talk are encouraged to go visit Mathews. “Sometimes I see people their whole academic career,” said Matthews. “It’s nice to know there is someone on campus willing to sit down and have a good chat, whether it be about a serious issue or just working out life’s daily problems.”