After more than two years of innovative leadership, Tim Matz has announced he will retire as head of Linfield University’s wine studies programs at the end of the year.
Under Matz’s leadership, Linfield introduced new courses of study, including the Master of Science in business specializing in wine business leadership and new events such as the BIPOC Wine Symposium, which attracted national speakers in its inaugural year. The Acorn to Oak Wine Experience, a student-run tasting room on McMinnville’s Third Street, opened in September.
“Steering the growth of enrollment, programs and signature events over the past two-and-a-half years has been exceptionally rewarding,” he said. “But it’s time for a new chapter.”
Linfield University President Miles K. Davis thanked Matz for his accomplishments.
“I am grateful for the ideas, energy and passion Tim brought to this role,” he said. “He used connections built over 35 years in the wine and spirits space to the benefit of wine studies students, who had the chance to interact personally with industry leaders from around the country.”
The job posting for Matz’s eventual replacement is available on the Linfield University human resources page.
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Linfield University is an independent, nonprofit university with campuses in McMinnville and Portland, Oregon, as well an eCampus for online learning. Since 1858, Linfield has connected a traditional liberal arts experience with practical education through 54 majors, including wine studies, sport management and nursing. Linfield also offers interdisciplinary master’s degrees in business, nursing and sports sciences. For five years running, U.S. News & World Report magazine has named Linfield one of the top liberal arts colleges in the nation when it comes to social mobility. Thirty-eight percent of Linfield students are first-generation college students, and 38% are U.S. students of color. Linfield competes in the NCAA Division III Northwest Conference. Learn more at www.linfield.edu.
