Matthew McConaughey is a College Professor Now

I love college professors. I keep getting older, and they… become Matthew McConaughey?
Usually, when an actor gains some kind of recognition from a college or university, it’s by way of a commencement speech and an honorary degree. But the laidback, Oscar-winning star of Dazed and Confused is taking it to the next level and actually becoming a professor of practice at the Moody College of Communication.
He’s actually been associated with the school for a while, having served as a visiting professor since 2015 co-teaching the ‘Script to Screen’ production class and helping develop that curriculum with fellow professor and director Scott Rice.
McConaughey clearly enjoys the role, telling UT News, “It’s the class I wish I would have had when I was in film school. Working in the classroom with these students gives me a chance to prepare them,” McConaughey said. “Making movies, turning words on paper into film, is both a science and art – no matter the time or generation. The elements of truth and genuine joy for the process are timeless. That will always be our classroom focus.”
To no one’s surprise, the popular star has become a big man on campus in his few years there, and now he’s being rewarded with an official post.
“We are proud to welcome Professor McConaughey to officially join our world-class faculty,” said Moody College Dean Jay Bernhardt. “Matthew cares deeply for our school and our students, and we are thrilled that he shares his time and talent to help prepare the next generation of media leaders and innovators.”
The university announced the news on their Twitter feed, complete with a picture of McConaughey in front of his students while sporting a fanny pack and bandanna. LIVIN. L-I-V-I-N!
“In recognition of his professional pedigree and personal investment in student success, Matthew McConaughey has been appointed a #TEXASMoody professor of practice. @McConaughey will continue to teach the #UTScriptoScreen class in @UTRTF.”
In recognition of his professional pedigree and personal investment in student success, Matthew McConaughey has been appointed a #TEXASMoody professor of practice. @McConaughey will continue to teach the #UTScriptoScreen class in @UTRTF. pic.twitter.com/9goKkc6U0A
— TEXAS Moody (@UTexasMoody) August 28, 2019
Noah Isenberg, chair of the Department of Radio-Television-Film, is impressed by McConaughey’s personality and investment in the class. “He has a passion for teaching, and for all things cinematic, that is palpable, even infectious,” he said.
If his personality as a professor is anything like it is on-screen, those are some lucky students. I can’t imagine having a teacher that could be more fun. I’m sort of surprised he’s not teaching percussion. My dude plays a mean bongo.