The Elaine Millikan Mathes Professorship in Early Childhood Education

Elaine Millikan Mathes embodied the belief that education has the power to transform lives, strengthen communities, and shape a brighter future. A proud Texan and devoted advocate for learning, Mathes dedicated her life and her remarkable philanthropy to expanding access to education and supporting academic excellence across the state.

Mathes began her academic journey at Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, graduating in 1947, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of Texas in 1949. Inspired by her parents’ values and guided by a deep appreciation for scholarship, she became a generous steward of education whose impact continues to be felt across generations.

Her legacy includes the establishment of numerous endowed professorships and scholarships that elevate teaching, research, and student opportunity. At the University of Texas at Austin, she created the J.R. Millikan Centennial Professorship in English Literature and the Ruth Knight Millikan Centennial Professorship in Education, as well as the Curtis and Gladys Mathes Scholarships in Humanities at the University of Texas at Arlington.

At the University of North Texas, Mathes’ vision is realized through affirming UNT’s mission to advance excellence in teaching, innovation, and creative inquiry. The Elaine Millikan Mathes Professorship in Early Childhood Education supports outstanding faculty through salary enhancement and provides resources for research, professional development, and academic engagement, ensuring meaningful impact for students, educators, and the broader educational community.

The Elaine Millikan Mathes Professorship in Early Childhood Education Chair position is vacant at this time. Appointed chair to be updated soon.

The position has been previously been held by Dr. Arminta Jacobson (2011 - 2014), Dr .Becky Glover (2016-2019) & Dr. Dee Ray (2019 - 2025).