Columbia – Senator John Matthews, Jr., has been appointed to serve as the newest member of the South Carolina Education Oversight Committee (EOC). Matthews is an original member of the EOC, having been appointed to serve in July 1998. He was replaced in 2003 when Governor Mark Sanford appointed West Columbia pastor Judy Williams to serve as his designee to the committee.

Matthew’s current appointment fills a vacant seat on the EOC reserved for the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, or his designee. Senator Hugh Leatherman, Senate Finance Chairman, made the appointment.

“I really appreciate your years of dedicated service to the citizens of South Carolina and know that you will do an outstanding job in this position,” Leatherman stated his letter appointing Matthews. Leatherman also thanked Matthews “for all you do to ensure a quality education for our young people.”

Matthews received a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in education from South Carolina State University. He is a former classroom teacher and school principal and former President of Zenith and Triangle Cablevisions.

Matthews has served in the S.C. Senate since 1985 representing District 39. From 1975 to 1984, Matthews served in the state House of Representatives. Currently, he serves on seven Senate committees: Agriculture and Natural Resources; Banking and Insurance; Corrections and Penology; Education; Ethics; Finance; and Interstate Cooperation. He is the current Chairman of the Orangeburg County Legislative Delegation and a former Chairman of the South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus. He is also a member of the Southern Regional Education Board.

A member of Pineville United Methodist Church, Matthews and his wife Geraldine have five children: Cynthia John, Michael Andre, Stephanie Renata, John Wesley, III, and Brian DeReef.

The SC Education Oversight Committee is an independent, non-partisan group made up of 18 educators, business persons, and elected leaders. Created in 1998, the committee is dedicated to reporting facts, measuring change, and promoting progress within South Carolina’s education system.