Elizabeth A. Mathis

BA 1980
Communication and Theatre Arts
Journalism

Choosing an undergraduate double major, in both communication and theatre arts and journalism, is symbolic of how Elizabeth A. Mathis has lived her life – with an eagerness to learn as much as possible.  She has also always welcomed new experiences.  In 2007, she began a new career as Vice President for Community Relations for Horizons – A Family Service Alliance in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  This non-profit agency offers assistance-- including mental health counseling for children and adults, consumer credit counseling, and transitional housing programs for abused children-- to people who are struggling with difficult and complex issues.  Before joining Horizons, Mathis worked for 16 years in broadcast journalism at KWWL-TV in Waterloo, where she was executive producer and the first female co-anchor of the evening news.  She also has been a co-anchor and reporter at KCRG-TV in Cedar Rapids.  In addition to her journalism and broadcasting career, Mathis was a teacher.  At Iowa’s Wartburg College, she was head of the Communication Arts Department, and she also has been a visiting assistant professor in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at The University of Iowa.  Mathis also has supported the School of Journalism and Mass Communication as a member of the campaign committee, which helped successfully raise $6 million.  She continues to serve on the School’s Professional Advisory Board.