Former UEA dean Christopher Matheson dies aged 86

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 29 Oct, 12:46 · Archive

Dr Christopher 'Kiff' Matheson, a former dean at the University of East Anglia who spent four decades supporting students, has died aged 86.

Dr Christopher 'Kiff' Matheson, a former dean at the University of East Anglia, has died aged 86. He spent four decades as Dean of Students, supporting young people through academic, personal and practical difficulties. Originally from Scotland, he arrived in Norwich when the university was still in its infancy and became one of the people who helped it grow.

Although he began his career teaching physics, his interests turned towards people rather than quantum mechanics. 'To be able for them to feel I remembered their names was important,' he said. He played a key role in creating the UEA Sportspark, which has a suite named after him.

Help Alert, a personal alarm company based at the Enterprise Centre at UEA, said Matheson made a lasting impression on its team after becoming a customer earlier this year. He befriended the company's workers after wanting a watch that would allow him to call for help. In tribute, Help Alert is now planning to provide free personal alarms to suitable patients being discharged from Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. Matthew Andrews, the company's chief executive, said: 'Kiff spent much of his life looking after other people, so we felt it would be a fitting tribute to do something that could help patients and families facing difficult circumstances.'

How it is being reported

• Tributes paid to former UEA dean who helped shape generations of studentsTributes have been paid to a much-loved former University of East Anglia dean who spent four decades helping students.Norwich Evening News · 29 Oct, 12:20
• Tributes paid to former UEA dean who helped shape generations of studentsTributes have been paid to a much-loved former University of East Anglia dean who spent four decades helping students.Eastern Daily Press · 29 Oct, 12:20

In this story: Christopher Matheson · University of East Anglia · Help Alert · Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital · Norwich

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log