Jerry Matthews

2016 Co-op Hall of Fame Inductee

Education 

B.S., ’69, Geology, University of Missouri - Rolla
M.S., ’74, Mining Engineering, University of Missouri - Rolla
MBA, ’85, Nova Southeastern University

Professional Career 

Jerry Matthews had a storied career in the mining industry before coming to Purdue in 1997 as the Director of the Office for Industrial Experience for the School of Mechanical Engineering. Immediately after his graduation from the University of Missouri - Rolla, Jerry began working for Shell Oil Company before joining the ranks of Cyprus Amax. At Cyprus Amax, Jerry held many positions of increasing responsibility. His industrry career culminated as the General Manager of the Chandler, IN and Brazil, IN mines. Here, Jerry successfully managed a facility with sales in excess of $100 million and an employee population of 400.

Jerry has left an incredible impact on the School of Mechanical Engineering. Thanks to his efforts, surveys show that 88%-92% of Mechanical Engineering graduted have participated in meaningful, academically relevant work experience prior to graduation. In addition to his contributions to Cooperative Education, Jerry was instrumental in the development of Purdue’s renowned Global Engineering Alliance for Research and Education (GEARE) program.

Co-op Impact

Jerry has made innumerable contributions to the Mechanical Engineering co-op program, which regularly has the largest percentage and number of participants of all disciplines offering co-op. Jerry took a personal interest in ensuring that “his” co-op students were best prepared for their time in the field.