Dr. Maria Matthews, Assistant Professor, Business Administration and Tourism and Hospitality Management

Headshot of smiling Maria Matthews outside with green trees in the background.

Maria is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Business Administration and Tourism and Hospitality Management at Mount Saint Vincent University. She holds PhD in Tourism Management from the School of Business and Law, University of Brighton, UK, a Master of Business Administration (Tourism and Hospitality Management) as well as a Bachelor of Tourism Management (Hons). Maria has been teaching at the Mount in the Department of Business Administration and Tourism and Hospitality since 2015. She has 25+ years extensive business and tourism industry experience in the areas of tour operation, destination management, airline and hotel management and has served and continues to serve on numerous boards in various roles over the years.

Maria’s research interest focuses on tourism disruption responses, tourism technology, tourism marketing and tourism and hospitality education.

Detailed Profile

Dr. Maria Matthews
Assistant Professor
Business Administration and Tourism and Hospitality Management

Office: McCain Centre 306E
Phone: 902 457 6688
Fax: 902 445 2582
Email: Maria.Matthews2@msvu.ca
Office Hours: By Appointment

Qualifications:
PhD in Tourism Management from the School of Business and Law, University of Brighton, UK,
MBA (Tourism & Hospitality Management) – Australian Institute of Business

Teaching Philosophy:

My teaching philosophy is rooted in four key principles:

  • Valuing students as individuals – recognizing their unique perspectives and strengths.
  • Creating a positive, active, and engaging learning environment – fostering curiosity and participation.
  • Linking theory to praxis – bridging academic concepts with real-world applications.
  • Being approachable, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable – making learning accessible and inspiring.

I believe that true understanding in an academic context comes from genuine engagement with the subject matter. As an educator, I see myself as a conduit, connecting students with the discipline through meaningful and relevant experiences. My extensive industry background in tourism and business enhances my ability to bridge this gap effectively.

To align with this philosophy, I design assignments, tests, class activities, and discussions to reflect professional contexts, embedding a sense of purpose and applicability. My guiding mantra of professionalism brings meaning to the learning process, fostering connections that empower students to thrive. By cultivating a developmental and supportive environment, I aim to create lasting, meaningful learning experiences for my students.