So my life stories reads like this. I’m a 24 year-old undergraduate at the University of Wisconsin – Stout in Menomonie, WI.  I’m studying Information & Communication Technologies with a media technology emphasis. I will graduate in the spring of 2011.  I grew up in a small metro area of 80,000 people located in central Wisconsin near the city of Wausau. (Yes, the city from the insurance commercials)  I graduated from D.C. Everest Senior High School in 2004.

When I arrived at UW-Stout I knew that I wanted to make an impact before I left. I wanted to leave an impression on the campus community, one that I could be proud of.  Three months into my arrival I teamed up with another ICT student; together we founded a web 2.0 social media news organization called StoutMedia.  I assumed the vice president role and held that position for a year and a half.  The organization still thrives as of today and works with a $40,000 dollar budget.  It is very rewarding seeing something I started flourish, especially ideas that are bleeding edge like StoutMedia.

StoutMedia opened many doors for me.  I was hired as a web consultant/programmer for the University, I was invited to participate in a ‘invite only’ visioning session for UW-Stout, and I have given many presentations to our Universities Chancellor, Charles W. Sorensen, on how we can shape technology here at Stout.  I currently sit on numerous committees that revolve around technology and the Interwebs.

I love technology.  I love living in this day and age, it’s one of the most exciting periods in recent history.  I love using new technologies and identifying how the masses will use it and adapt to it.  I love analyzing how people work and figuring out what they will “adjust to” and what they wont.  This love makes my job easy; it doesn’t feel like a job.

Summary

A focused, highly-driven, results oriented innovator in the new media space. Proven leader with hands-on experience in cutting edge marketing, community building, consumer engagement, innovative web technologies and online consumer behavior.

Accomplishments

- Participant during invite only focus group to find identify strengths and weaknesses of the University and find technological opportunities for advancement

- Founded a social networking committee to investigate potential of private social network for faculty, staff and students.

- Founded and chaired fast-paced user group to bring together student web developers to raise productivity and increase internal communication among student webmasters.

- Appointed to nationwide research project consisting of 34 universities to investigate the role of new media technologies and their connections to civic engagement.

- Created new student organization that focuses on using new media to engage students in university news and events.  The student organization works with a $40,000 dollar budget.

- Consulted university administrators on roll out of social media platforms, these platforms now have over 5300 followers.

- Research and viewpoints published in a book titled, Crisis Media Management in the Digital Age by Jane Jordan-Meier.

- Consulted and assisted in implementing use of QR bar-codes and Foursquare for event marketing and engagement purposes.

Experience

Web Consultant

University of Wisconsin – Stout,  Student Life Services, Menomonie, WI

Analyze University website for content and quality while identifying opportunities for improvement in design and functionality to increase user engagement.

- Documented research of new technologies to further engage students through the use of new technologies

- Managed the overhaul University web pages to cutting edge content management system

Broadcaster

University of Wisconsin – Stout,  Sports Information Department, Menomonie, WI

Developed engaging and informative streaming video webcasts

- Enhanced webcasts by implementing two-way communication between listener and broadcasters

- Produced webcasts on a weekly basis, including equipment setup and tear down

Vice President of Media (Co-Founder)

University of Wisconsin – Stout,  StoutMedia, Menomonie, WI

- Maintained the mission and goals of the student organization while supervising a staff of five students

- Arbitrated budgets and managed public relations with local and national media outlets.

Education

B.S. – Information & Communication Technologies           (Expected: 2011)

University of Wisconsin – Stout  (Malcolm Baldrige Award 2001)

Emphasis:  Media and online interaction          GPA:   3.81

-  08-09 McRae Memorial Scholarship Recipient
-  09-10 Wisconsin License Plate Scholarship Recipient
-  10-11 Steiner/Milnes Memorial Scholarship Recipient

High School Diploma

D.C. Everest Senior High School –  2004                  Weston, WI

Skills

-  Proven leadership skills and ability to see macro viewpoint

-  Sound ability to research and synthesize information

-  Superior communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal

Other Experience

• Student web consultant to faculty and administrators
• Facebook seminars and private consultations
• Menomonie Young Professionals
• Volunteered for Big Brothers & Big Sisters

Maybe You’ve Seen Me?

• VolumeOne Magazine
• Dunn County Newspaper
• Spinning Indie Blog
• WEAU TV-13 News
• CNN
• University of Wisconsin – Stout News
• WSAW-TV ‘Tech@10′ Segment

Do you want to hire Matt to speak at your conference or consult with your company?  Matthew regularly speaks/consults on campus at the University of Wisconsin – Stout, a leader in technology & media application.  There he sits on panels and committees that focus on technology where he is counted on for his creative, outside the box thinking & recommendations.

Matt Speaks About…

• “Social Media”
• Personal Branding
• Crisis Management
• Community Building
• Authenticity
• Technology Trends

“Matthew has applied his learning; the results of which were truly innovative. Matt is one of those students that has distinguished himself with creativity and out of the box thinking.”

- Phil Lyons, Assistant Vice Chancellor, University of Wisconsin – Stout

“Matt is on the forefront of Web 2.0 issues and solutions. As a result of his practical advice and innovative ideas, he has helped me put social media tools to better use.”

- Laura Short, Executive Director, Main St. Menomonie

“Matt is a forward-thinking man, with a tremendous understanding of social networking and media sites, and an eagerness to help apply those for the University of Wisconsin-Stout.”

- David Williams, Vice Chancellor for University Advancement, University of Wisconsin – Stout

“Get Matt while you still can, he is a social media guru on the rise!”