Ron Matson was born in the Black Hills of South Dakota, graduated from the University of South Dakota with a BA in sociology, attended the University of Colorado in Boulder and received his MA and Ph.D. in sociology. He joined the sociology faculty at Wichita State University in 1970 and has taught there continuously for the past 40 years. He has served as chair of the department for a total of 13 years, taught many courses, won eleven teaching awards, and researched diverse topics.
Ron's teaching interests include gender, men and masculinity, intimate relationships, parenting, and introduction to sociology. His research interests center around gender and violence and he is currently working on two externally funded grants designed to 1) decrease violence among sixth graders, and 2) create healthy relationships for eleven to fourteen year olds. Throughout his career he has published articles and chapters examining adjustment to chronic disease, pedagogy, and the impact of student engagement on achievement. His works include The Spirit of Sociology; Hell on Earth: Working and the American Dream; and The Inmate Experience.
Ron is married to Linda Matson and has four married children and eight grandchildren. Their enthusiasm for learning, and for life, has fueled his career and will for years to come.