Dr. Philip Monroe Mathis

Dr. Philip Monroe Mathis passed away on July 12, 2026, at his home in Murfreesboro, TN following an extended illness. Phil is survived by his wife Marilyn, daughter Lori Deal, cherished grandson Jacob James Deal, brother Mark Mathis, sister Junia (Dan) Pendleton, sister-in-law Teresa Mathis, and sister-in-law Florence Woods. He is preceded in death by his parents James and Genet Mathis, brother Steve Mathis and son-in-law Tod Deal.

Born in Melber, Kentucky, Phil learned early the value of hard work, humility, and service—principles that guided him throughout a distinguished academic career spanning more than four decades. A beloved educator, scholar, mentor, and administrator, Phil devoted his life to advancing higher education and inspiring generations of students at Middle Tennessee State University and beyond.

He began his academic journey at Murray State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 1964. He started his career in Scott County, Missouri teaching biology, chemistry, and physics. His passion for teaching and scientific inquiry led him to Middle Tennessee State University where he completed a Master of Science degree in Biology followed by an Ed.S. from Peabody College (Vanderbilt) and a doctorate from the University of Georgia. After receiving his doctorate, he embarked on a remarkable career as a professor, researcher, and leader.

Over more than thirty years in the classroom, Phil taught courses ranging from biology and zoology to genetics, biometry, biostatistics, and special problems. He served as graduate advisor and coordinator for twenty-one years guiding countless students through their academic and professional journeys. Following a national search, Dr. Mathis was appointed Dean of the MTSU Honors College in 2004.

Phil's scholarly accomplishments were equally impressive. He authored more than 50 articles, books, book chapters, and reviews and earned widespread recognition for both teaching excellence and academic achievement. Among his many honors were the MTSU Foundation Outstanding Teacher Award, nine Special Student Commendations, the National Exemplar of Faculty Citizenship Award, the Outstanding Undergraduate Science Teacher Award, and a Tennessee House and Senate Resolution for Outstanding Service to Education. In 2001, he received the inaugural MTSU Foundation Career Achievement Award, one of the university's highest recognitions. Upon retirement, he was awarded Professor Emeritus.

Despite his extensive accomplishments and dedication to teaching and scholarship, Phil remained known above all for his kindness, humility, and accessibility. Students appreciated his open-door approach and willingness to help. Colleagues admired his integrity, generosity, and tireless commitment to the university.

He gained a cherished honor when he was commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel in 1997, recognizing his work and devotion to his home state after the publication of his poem, Kan-tuc-kee.

Phil found great joy beyond academia as a prolific writer of poetry, short stories, and prose. Some of his published works include Penny Corner Road, Wandering in the Woods and Drumbeats. These works honor life, the natural world, and Native Americans. He also found immense satisfaction in bringing history to life through the painstaking creation and furnishing of an 18th-century replica home, a labor of love that reflected his appreciation for craftsmanship, heritage, and the past.

More than all his career achievements, Phil treasured time spent with family. In addition to the volumes of journals he wrote preserving shared memories, his lasting influence is that of love and kindness.

Gifts in memory may be made to the Philip M. Mathis Honors Research Award via the link or by contacting the MTSU Foundation noting Mathis scholarship at 865-824-6897.

A graveside service will take place at a later date.