[3] He then returned to the University of Oregon where he completed a Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Language and Literature.

He later earned a Master of Arts from Johns Hopkins University in their School of Advanced International Studies.

[4] Matthews was a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, class of Minister-Counselor.

Matthews held senior assignments in Australia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, China, and the Department of Defense Pacific Command.

[5] On August 23, 2018, President Trump announced his intention to nominate Matthews as the next Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam.