Reflections from the 2025 Board Retreat
The David Mathews Center Board of Directors gathered for their annual retreat in early May in the Rotunda at the American Village.
This in-person meeting brought together a diverse group of board members, from founding members to alumni of the Jean O’Connor-Snyder Internship Program (JOIP), to reflect on their shared experiences with Dr. Mathews and envision the future for the Mathews Center.
In partnership with Dr. Sally Hardig and the University of Montevallo, the day began with a Ripple Effects Mapping session, a new tool the DMC staff gained through a workshop with the Southern Deliberative Democracy Network (SDDN). This storytelling-based method of data collection gave board members space to reflect on their experiences with one another, Dr. Mathews, and the Center itself, capturing the “ripples” or lasting impact of the DMC’s mission.
Dr. Cathy Randall, one of the Center’s founding members, shared how she sees Dr. Mathews’s legacy continuing today, embodying his belief that “communities can build better, stronger communities together.”
Former First Lady Marsha Folsom, who chairs the DMC executive committee, echoed this sentiment, reflecting on the life of Jean O’Connor-Snyder, a friend to Dr. Mathews and a beloved mentor to the UA students like herself. O’Connor-Snyder’s dedication to civic education and student leadership continues to resonate through the JOIP and, especially, in her insistence of “not sitting on your morals…[community engagement] is not a spectator sport.”
Rev. Marian Royston, a JOIP alumna, spoke about how the internship shaped her career in ministry. She highlighted how the experience taught her to listen deeply and “how to be curious” when engaging with communities, an approach that now shapes her work at a church in downtown Birmingham. When referencing deliberation, she reflected, “It’s about the process, not the product,” noting how it has become a core part of how she listens and leads.
Throughout the morning, board members not only applied a form of qualitative evaluation that will help with future programming, but they also highlighted the deep connections built through the Center, often in quiet but meaningful ways.
During lunch, members were joined by Theangelo Perkins, Mayor of Harpersville and Board President of the Wallace Center for Arts and Reconciliation. He was joined by Ebony Howard, the Wallace Center’s new Executive Director, and led a discussion on how to thoughtfully share every perspective of history of the Wallace Plantation and surrounding Harpersville community. With shared values and overlapping missions, the DMC Board looks forward to touring the Wallace Center later this year and exploring future collaborations.
The Board also heard from Natalie Steed, Development Officer at American Village and Executive Officer for the Alabama USA Semiquincentennial Commission. She shared upcoming opportunities for educators, students, and communities as we prepare to commemorate 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Being located on the scenic campus of American Village, the DMC is excited to strengthen its civics-focused collaborations with them in the years to come.
The retreat concluded with reflections on the past six months and plans for what’s ahead, including the announcement of the 9th annual Civic Institute! We’re excited to gather again for a day of collaboration and conversation on Thursday, October 16th, 2025 at the American Village. Stay tuned on our social media and newsletter for updates on registration and speakers.
The staff of the David Mathews Center is deeply grateful for the leadership and insight of our Board of Directors. It is through their wisdom and support that we continue to serve the people of Alabama. To learn more about our board members, mission, or programs, visit our website or email us at dmccl@mathewscenter.org.