Matt Kwiatkowski

Student Affairs defines Civility as “striving to listen as well as speak to each other; to understand each other in our commonalities and differences; to show respect to all members of the university community.”

In his role as Associate Director for Academic Initiatives in Housing and Residence Life, Matt Kwiatkowski works with the faculty principals, senior fellows, program directors, and steering committee members to develop, support, and enhance Virginia Tech’s Living Learning Programs.

Matt said, “So much learning happens outside of the classroom and we get to be a part of that. I love ‘lightbulb moments’ when students begin to understand who they are, what they value, and how to be in relationship with one another. I am most proud when we can create something where students find a home and belonging while at Tech.”

As you know, growing Living-Learning Programs is a top priority at Virginia Tech – and things are moving quickly.

Matt’s nominator wrote, “In the founding and establishment process, many items are up for discussion -- from selecting a name to staffing to funding to programming to location to student leadership opportunities. There are many voices around the table and at times different priorities and opinions. In these situations, Matt works to facilitate productive discussions, mediate conflicts, provide context, and make decisions in the best interest of the student experience.”

Matt said, “At Virginia Tech there is a spirit of innovation and excitement to do the next best thing. In our work, we are making connections between academic and student affairs, and at a university the size of Virginia Tech, that is a high and noble goal. I love it when we can get people who’ve never been in a room together working towards a common goal.”

Matt supports others as they build capacity around difference, diversity, and inclusion. One initiative he helped start for HRL staff is the creation of a “white, anti-racist affinity group” to discuss issues of dismantling white supremacy, combating white fragility, advocating for colleagues of color, and the self-work it takes to do this work.

Matt said, “We are all different and we all carry so many different identities. If we are paying attention, it is easy to learn something new. How I can advocate for folks with marginalized identities when I am in a room they aren’t? If I am at a table of decision-making, how can I bring them into that space, or minimally make sure their voices are represented, if the systems in place don’t allow for them to represent themselves?”

He went on to say, “I believe that civility is a virtue that means at a basic level that everyone in society is worthy of dignity and respect and we should treat one another as such. Civility does not necessarily mean agreement; civility can be a tool we use when we disagree with someone in a way that makes our truth known, but also respects the humanity of another person.”

Matt, your determination to listen to others, to ensure they are heard, and to handle disagreements respectfully and productively is a reminder to all of us in Student Affairs that if we lead with care, concern, and compassion we will make a positive impact in our work. I am pleased to present the Aspire! Award for CIVILITY to Matt Kwiatkowski.

Written by Sandy Broughton