[1][2] From 1984 to 1986, Matthews was the mayor of Garland, Texas, a nonpartisan position in which he worked to reduce the tax rate and to cut municipal expenditures.
[4] As railroad commissioner, Matthews supported more exploration for natural gas to meet future electricity needs.
[5] Early in 2005, Matthews stepped down from the Railroad Commission to succeed Lamar Urbanovsky as the university system chancellor.
[6] Matthews served on the Texas Turnpike Authority under appointment from Republican Governor Bill Clements.
[1] Matthews has been active in Rotary International, the Lions Club, Young Men's Christian Association, and the Boy Scouts of America.