SLHS Mourns the Passing of Noel Matkin

SLHS was saddened to learn that Noel Matkin, PhD, CCC-A, passed away July 4, 2016. He was a scientist, a teacher, a mentor, and a leader. Dr. Matkin drove the field of pediatric audiology to new heights. He gave wholeheartedly to Tucson and its citizens, was such a wonderful friend to many, and will be sorely missed.

Dr. Matkin earned his BS in Speech Pathology from Wichita State University in 1954. He went on to earn his MA and PhD in Audiology in 1959 and 1965 respectively from Northwestern University. Dr. Matkin came to the University of Arizona in 1979 as Professor and Director of Children’s Hearing Clinics. He became a Professor Emeritus in 1999 and continued working at the UA until 2007. His major field of interest was pediatric audiology, and he enjoyed evaluation, differential diagnosis, amplification, and audiologic habilitation, including parent support services.

Dr. Matkin earned many awards during his professional career, including the AAA Clinical Educator Award (2000), the Fredrich S. Berg Education Audiology Award from the Educational Audiology Association (1996), the Five-Star Faculty Teaching Award from the UA Honors Center (1993), the Cellular I National Award for lifetime contribution in Pediatric Audiology from Vanderbilt University (1991), the Distinguished Teaching Award: Faculty of Sciences at UA (1988), a Clinician Achievement Award in Arizona from ASHA (1984 and 1983), and the Outstanding Teaching Citation from the Associated Students of the UA (1980-1981). Dr. Matkin was named an ASHA Fellow in 1971.

Dr. Matkin was a leader in Tucson and honored many times for his volunteer work. He was awarded the Arizona Human Rights Fund’s Statewide Activist Award, and recently received the Community Foundation of Southern Arizona’s Civic Leadership Award.

Some words from his colleagues at the UA:  “Noel always fought for the underdog and those who were treated as outcasts. He never shied away from saying what had to be said. When it came to serving children and their families, he set the bar high for himself and for those who were fortunate to work with him. His advice was always valuable, simple and to the point. My favorite piece of advice given to me by Noel is, ‘It's not just about the ears.’ Simple advice that could change a life.” –James Dean, AuD

Services will be held Saturday, July 30, at 4:00 pm at St. Philip's in the Foothills in Tucson, AZ.