Department Chair and Associate Professor
Biography
Dr. Matt Varga is Associate Professor of Counselor Education and College Student Affairs and Department Chair in the Department of Communication Sciences and Professional Counseling at the University of West Georgia. He holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration and a M.S. in College Student Personnel from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and a B.A. in Philosophy from Christopher Newport University. Dr. Varga’s central research focus has emphasized exploring prescription drug abuse among graduate students. Other areas of focus include LGBTQ issues, campus climate perceptions, transition programs, and experiences and competencies of entry level professionals. As a former student affairs professional working in the Department of University Housing at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Dr. Varga developed a passion for the success of not only higher education administration, but for students also. His commitment to the field drives his desire to invest in new professionals and educate graduate students to become competent and well-rounded college student affairs professionals.
Education / Degrees
- B.A., Philosophy and Religious Studies, Christopher Newport University, 2004
- M.S., College Student Personnel, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2007
- Ph.D., Higher Education Administration, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2012