Posted: Oct 20, 2014

Faces in the Crowd - Matt Lawrence

Dr. Matt Lawrence was appointed the Alfred State faculty atheltic representative (FAR) this summer. Lawrence is an associate professor of Mechanical Engineering Technology at Alfred State. He eaches courses in control systems, statics, fluid power and alternative energy. Matt lives in Alfred, NY, with his wife and three young sons.

Lawrence recently took time and answered some questions about being the Alfred State FAR.

Why did you decide to take the FAR position?

I got a call one morning from President Sullivan’s office that he wanted to see me. I’ve never had any college president meet with me individually, so naturally I was a little nervous. I asked when would be a good time, and his secretary said, “President Sullivan is already on his way to your office.” Well, your mind can wander in a situation like that. He arrived, closed the door, and told me the purpose of the meeting was to ask me if I would be the next Faculty Athletic Representative for the campus. By that time, I was so wound up about cleaning my office and worried about what he needed that I agreed instantly. I like President Sullivan’s style. I’m genuinely excited about contributing in this capacity, and this position appeals to me on many levels. I believe in athletics/fitness as an important part of any student’s education, enjoy the company of and working with our great faculty and staff in Orvis Building, and am interested in the details of NCAA rules, regulations, and compliance.

What do you see as the importance of athletics in the college setting?

I’ll answer that question with another question. What do student athletes learn competing at the college level? Fair play, teamwork, persistence, patience, focus, confidence, hard work, self- control, and enthusiasm just to name a few. The overarching goal of any institute of higher education is to prepare students to contribute positively in our society after graduation. What a broad statement! But all of the qualities mentioned above prepare you to contribute successfully regardless of your path.

What are some of your goals in this position?

This is a very interesting and exciting time to be involved with the athletic programs at Alfred State. This school is in the process of making the transition from NJCAA to NCAA Division III – that is a major milestone for athletics at a college of our type and size. I hope to be a reliable and contributing resource to the Athletic Director, Assistant Athletic Director, the coaches, students, and all the folks who work hard every day to navigate this transition and succeed in Division III. This is the big time! Our whole community benefits from thriving and healthy athletic programs and facilities.

What is your background in athletics?

I have one older brother, and my parents made athletics part of our lives long before we were able to compete. My dad worked out at the YMCA, and would take us with him before we had any interest in fitness. I remember the “Y” had one of those super-old machines that had the big strap which just jiggled you. What was that machine? My dad would work out and we just played with that thing. In the early 80s, we would all get up early once a year and go watch the Wilkes-Barre triathlon – no one (including most competitors), knew what that sport was back then. We thought it was so cool. We played sports right through high school. I tried out for the Penn State volleyball team in college and got cut (in the first half hour) of a walk on practice. Those guys were really good. So I played intramurals, and have been physically active my whole life. My brother likes to beat me about once a year in a triathlon. We’ve done over a dozen triathlons together. It’s great; we have a good time.

Quick Hits

Favorite sport? I like anything going on with the Olympics – summer and winter.

Favorite team? USA! USA! USA!

Favorite ice cream flavor? Dude, I’ll eat whatever you’ve got. Whatever my kids don’t finish is mine, too.

Favorite vacation spot? New England, Canada, Alaska. I like things cold.

What music is on your IPod? I’m a luddite fighting a losing battle. I have a flip phone from Wal-Mart. Sorry. If I borrow an iPod, I listen to science podcasts.

If you could have dinner with three other people (past or present) who would they be? I always thought it would be awesome if I could hang out with my dad, paternal grandfather, and maternal grandfather. Here’s the catch: we’d all be the same age. Any age. Wouldn’t that be cool?