Campus News
In Memoriam: Sue Matthews
Sue was a valued member of the UC Santa Cruz community, serving in a variety of roles across the Colleges and Housing from 1999-2023.
The UC Santa Cruz community mourns the passing of Sue Matthews, who died on Sunday, December 28, 2025. Her passing followed a two-year battle with cancer. Sue was surrounded by her family and two sons, Kyle and Caleb.
Sue was a valued member of the UC Santa Cruz community, serving in a variety of roles across the Colleges and Housing from 1999-2023. Sue began her time as a Banana Slug as the College Administrative Officer for Crown College and retired as the Associate Vice Chancellor for the Colleges, Housing and Educational Services (CHES) in 2023. Throughout her 24 years of service to the campus, she contributed her expert leadership to many areas of Student Affairs including College Student Life programs, University Housing Operations, Employee Housing, Housing Capital Construction, Housing Business and Finance Operations, Child Care Services, Student Conduct, Conference Services, and Dining Services. Sue was a consummate professional who served as a steward for broad reaching programs and services that impacted the entire campus community. She was also a recognized leader amongst her housing colleagues across the University of California system and with partners at the UC Office of the President.
Sue’s experience with California higher education prior to coming to UCSC included work at Azusa Pacific University, San Diego State University, UC Santa Barbara, and CSU Dominguez Hills. She also considered WACUHO (the Western Association of College and University Housing Officers) to be her professional association home. Her work with the organization spanned many years including serving as the Association Treasurer and President, and she was instrumental in developing a financial plan for the organization. Sue was awarded the Charles L Miller award, the association’s highest honor, in 2002.
Colleagues and friends appreciated Sue’s dedication, integrity, mentorship, collaborative spirit and competence. Most importantly, Sue was committed to her role as a student advocate. She stood as a champion for students and was committed to the deployment of programs and services to enhance the student experience and provide for student safety.
Sue meant so much to so many. Through her love for her boys, by contributions in her local community, across the Student Affairs profession nationally, and by her daily support for friends, students and colleagues, near and far – she made her mark and she will be missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 17th at 2:00 PM at the Cultural Center at Merrill College, UC Santa Cruz. Please join her family and community in celebration of a life incredibly well lived. RSVP online if you’re planning to attend.
The campus community extends our deepest condolences to Sue’s family, friends, and colleagues.
Gifts to honor of Sue’s legacy can be made to the Sanchez Lab, which studies cancer, including trying to find methods for early detection and screening and looking for new therapeutic pathways to target the disease.