Dr. Sullivan joined WashU in December 2021. As Assistant Director, Matt supports Disability Resources, the University, and disabled students in the creation of a more inclusive environment through the identification of potential access barriers, and the determination and implementation of necessary accommodations. Additionally, Dr. Sullivan serves as DR’s liaison to WashU’s School of Medicine, acting as the primary contact for SoM faculty/staff, students, and prospective students. In this role, Matt works closely with all parties to create an accessible and inclusive educational environment for disabled students pursuing their degrees within Health Sciences and Medicine.
Dr. Sullivan is a research-oriented practitioner dedicated to promoting disability awareness and inclusion within the higher education environment. In his student affairs roles, Dr. Sullivan has experience providing leadership and direction for a variety of programs and services in the areas of disability, testing, tutoring, Supplemental Instruction, and academic coaching. Working in the field of disability services for more than a decade, Matt has dedicated his time and energy to the education and development of students, faculty, and staff surrounding the intersectionality of disability with race, culture, gender, and other prominent identity factors.
Dr. Sullivan is currently serving a three-year term as Chief of Staff on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors for the Coalition for Disability Access in Health Sciences Education, and has recently been selected to serve as an Instructor for the Disability Resource Professional (DRP) Academy, a highly focused, hybrid professional development experience for disability resource professionals seeking expertise in medical education. Matt has also served his national organization, Association for Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD), on the Professional Competencies working group assisting in the creation of the organization’s guiding professional standards.
He earned his Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree from Millikin University, Master of Arts in Student Personnel Administration degree from Saint Louis University, and Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration degree from Saint Louis University.