F. David Mathews

(HEW) 1975-1977

F. David Mathews
(1935- )

David Mathews was born in Grove Hill, Alabama. He received a bachelor's degree from the University of Alabama in 1958, a master's degree in 1959, and a Ph.D. from Columbia University in 1965. He served in the U.S. Army from 1959 to 1960. Following military service Mr. Mathews returned to the University of Alabama where he served as assistant dean of men (1960-1965), interim dean of men (1965-1966), executive assistant in the office of the president (1966-1968), executive vice president (1968-1969). In 1969, Mr. Mathews became president of the University of Alabama, and it was from this position that he took a leave of absence to serve as Secretary of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare from 1975 to 1977.