SARASOTA, Fla. — The Elling Eide Center, a private research library and nature preserve that is dedicated to the study of classical Asian literature and art, recently welcomed Dr. Matthew Wells as its new director of research.
Dr. Wells brings over 20 years of experience in Asian studies to The Elling Eide Center. In his new role as director of research, Dr. Wells is tasked with managing the center’s programming, organizing professional meetings, preparing for conferences and organizing speaker series to bring in relevant scholars to the center, among other duties.
Most recently, Dr. Wells served as associate professor of Chinese at the University of Kentucky. During his time there, he taught a number of courses, including courses on Chinese language, Chinese culture and Chinese literature, among other topics. He also previously taught at the University of California, Berkeley, Eastern Oregon University, Beijing Capital Normal University and the University of Oregon.
Dr. Wells spent three years in the People’s Republic of China for language training, a Fulbright Fellow and as a visiting assistant professor. More recently, he lived in Taiwan as a visiting research fellow and visiting scholar. He has also lived in Europe and all over the United States.
Dr. Wells holds a doctorate in Chinese and a master’s degree in Asian Studies from the University of Oregon, as well as a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Washington. Throughout his career, he has worked on over 50 published journal articles, book chapters, essays, conference papers, invited papers and book manuscripts.
“Matt’s professional and academic experience immediately made him a top contender for our organization,” said Harold Mitchell, president and chief executive officer of The Elling Eide Center. “We are thrilled to have him as our director of research, and we have no doubts that he will greatly enhance our center’s stature.”
Dr. Wells currently acts as the secretary-treasurer of the Early Medieval China Group and has served on a number of professional and institutional boards since 2002. Outside of The Elling Eide Center, he enjoys hiking, kayaking and being outdoors.
About The Elling Eide Center
The Elling Eide Center is a private research library and nature preserve overlooking Little Sarasota Bay. Dedicated to the study of classical Asian literature and art, the Center fills a unique role in the cultural and scholarly landscape of its Florida coastal location.
Bequeathed by Sarasota resident Elling O. Eide, this 72-acre waterfront preserve brings together Old Florida and new architecture. Sarasota architect Guy Peterson, FAIA, designed the Center’s research library that shares the landscape with a rich assortment of native and exotic plants. The Elling Eide Center Research Library first opened its doors in the fall of 2016.
The Center provides scholars and students with opportunities to research Asian culture, history, and art on a pristine preserve. The Center also hosts conferences and lectures. The Center’s collections, amassed by Eide over six decades, contain comprehensive library holdings and collections of rare books, manuscripts, art, and artifacts that represent a significant resource for Asian studies scholars.
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