Published on March 2, 2026 by Alison Ingle  
suresh mathews1

Samford University has named Suresh Mathews, PhD, dean of the School of Public Health, effective March 2, 2026. 

Mathews has served as interim dean since February 2025, providing steady leadership and advancing the school’s academic, research and community priorities. A member of the Samford faculty since 2015, he has served as professor and chair of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics. He is also nearing completion of his Masterof Business Administration at Samford, which he expects to earn in December. 

“Dr. Mathews stood out as a candidate with tremendous experience, wisdom gained from that experience and a robust skill set to lead the School of Public Health into the future. These qualities were consistently recognized by faculty, staff and students throughout the search process,” said Dave Cimborra, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “He has the full support and confidence of the provost’s office and the entire search committee, and we are excited for the leadership he will continue to bring to Samford.” 

Mathews earned his PhD in biochemistry and his Master of Philosophy in biochemistry from the University of Madras in India and holds a Master of Science in biochemistry from Bharathiar University. His academic career includes faculty appointments at Auburn University, where he served as graduate program director for the Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Hospitality Management, and at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Michigan. 

An accomplished scholar, Mathews has authored nearly 100 peer reviewed publications, abstracts and conference proceedings. He serves as a reviewer for multiple funding agencies, sits on editorial boards and presents at national and international conferences. 

Deeply committed to service and outreach, Mathews serves on boards at both local and national levels, including the Association of Nutrition Departments and Programs and the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama. He is an honorary faculty member at the Mar Thoma Institute of Mission and Culture. For nearly 20 years, he has coordinated the MOWAChoctaw Native American Youth Mission and has led a Bible study group for the past eight years. His dedication to integrating faith and learning has been a hallmark of his leadership. 

As dean, Mathews will lead the School of Public Health in empowering graduates to transform health outcomes and build stronger, more resilient communities worldwide. 

 
Located in the Homewood suburb of Birmingham, Alabama, Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford enrolls 6,324 students from 44 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford is widely recognized as having one of the most beautiful campuses in America, featuring rolling hills, meticulously maintained grounds and Georgian-Colonial architecture. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and boasts one of the highest scores in the nation for its 97% Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.