Matthew T. Hora

Matthew T. Hora is an Associate Professor of Adult and Higher Education in the Departments of Liberal Arts & Applied Studies (Division of Continuing Studies) and Education Policy Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's School of Education. He serves as the Founding and current co-Director of the Center for Research on College-Workforce Transitions (CCWT) and has secured over $10 million in funding from organizations including the National Science Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Dr. Hora's research spans cultural anthropology, learning sciences, and sociology, focusing on active learning, career development, college internships, and the nature of skills. His interdisciplinary approach brings critical perspectives to debates on instructional reform and student employability. He teaches courses including EDPOL202 'Education at Work' and EDPOL600 'Employability Policy and Practice,' along with an online course on teaching 21st century skills.

His recent publications reveal a strong focus on equity in internships, cultural aspects of workplace skills, and the relationship between higher education and workforce transitions. His research demonstrates an evolving emphasis on intersectionality, pandemic impacts on internships, climate change preparedness, and the cultural dimensions of skill development.

• Frederic W. Ness Book Award (2018) for 'Beyond the Skills Gap: Preparing College Students for Life and Work'
• Excellence in Professional-Scholarly Publication, Jerome L. Neuner Award (2016)
• Emerging Interfaces Award, Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery (2012)
• Board Member, National Academies Board on Higher Education and Workforce (2023)

Dr. Hora has directed significant research initiatives including the College Internship Study across multiple institutions. His work with the Center for Research on College-Workforce Transitions has established partnerships with educational institutions and workforce organizations nationwide. He serves as Editor for journals including CBE-Life Sciences and Innovative Higher Education, demonstrating his leadership in bridging higher education research with workforce development.