Thalia is a Dallas native and is a product of the Dallas Independent School District. Her earned degrees are: Bachelor of Arts (cum laude) in English from Huston-Tillotson University; Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from Southern Methodist University; Doctor of Education in Educational Administration from Texas A&M University (formerly East Texas State University.
Thalia is a retired educator from the Dallas ISD where she was an exemplary teacher, assistant principal, principal and Executive Director of Principal Leadership and Development. She devised, developed and implemented the “Fast-Track” program in cooperation with the University of Texas at Austin. The program provided for the selection of promising candidates to form a cadre of potential principals for experiential and innovative development. She also served as President of the Dallas School Administrators Association and served as a member of the Superintendent’s Council.
After early retirement from DallasISD, Thalia was employed as Executive Director (CEO) for 6 ½ years for the South Central Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church.
Thalia serves and has served on many Boards of Directors as a Trustee and officer including Southern Methodist University, Huston-Tillotson University, Dallas Women’s Foundation, Dallas Historical Society, Texas Methodist Foundation; she is a member of Warren United Methodist Church where she serves and has historically served in leadership; The Links, Incorporated, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and Big Brothers Big Sisters (mentor) are organizations where she volunteers and serves her community.
Among Honors received are: The Maura Award, Who’s Who Among American Women, Dream Makers Award –Education, Business and Professional Women’s Award-Trailblazer.
Published writings: “The Wonder of Love”, A Descriptive Study of In-School Suspension Programs in the State of Texas, “Mission Here? How?”, and “Hope and Wholeness for Children and Youth”.
Thalia is the widow of Arthur Matherson, Jr. and the parent of an adult son, Aaron Keith and grandparent to granddaughter, Arianna. Her travels include Singapore, China, Jamaica, Bahamas, England, Israel, Kosovo, Brazil, South Korea, South Africa, Zambia Africa and most of the United States. Her hobby is reading.
