Meet Matthew Pourney: New CAFNR director of study abroad

by Breanne Brammer, posted Nov. 18, 2011

“Before I studied abroad, I had never even been on a plane,” said Matthew Pourney, new study abroad director for the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. “My first flight was a direct flight from St. Louis to Paris. Taking that first step off the plane and realizing you are half a world away was my chance to really prove how independent I thought I was.”

In his new position with CAFNR, Pourney now has the chance to help other students experience that same feeling of independence.

Pourney said he enjoys networking with students and visiting countries around the world. He admits he has come a long way from his childhood, both in miles and in life experiences. He grew up in southeast Missouri in a town with a population of around 10,000.  

Pourney’s roots run deep at the University of Missouri. He has been on the campus in some capacity for 14 years. As an undergrad, Pourney studied anthropology. He went on to earn his master’s degree in French, also at Mizzou. His wife, Christy, works at the university. Christy works as a program assistant for marketing and membership in the Mizzou Alumni Association.

“I fell in love with the campus and working with the university,” Pourney said.
His work experience includes a brief stint with the MU Office of Admissions. Then, he worked for five years at the MU International Center. He worked in study abroad and focused on programs in the United Kingdom, France, Ireland and Canada. 

“I am thrilled to be in this position,” Pourney said. “It gives me the opportunity to work with a lot of regions around the world, where I can expand my horizons. I have also always enjoyed working directly with the students and seeing how those students grow throughout the process academically and professionally.”

Barbara Lindeman is the director of MU Study Abroad and assistant director of the International Center. She was Pourney’s supervisor when he worked there. She knew then that Pourney was passionate about travel and Mizzou.

Of his time with the International Center, Lindeman said, “He made significant contributions in student programming and advising, as well as marketing.”
According to Pourney, his first international experience was definitely an ‘ah-ha’ moment. It made him realize what a great opportunity he was being presented and that he needed to pull as much from the experience as he could.

When it comes to favorite places to visit, Pourney admits he is biased toward traveling to France because of his educational background.

“My study of French is what led me to consider study abroad as a career,” Pourney said.

“I would really encourage students in any CAFNR discipline to consider study abroad as (part of?) their overall academic experience,” Pourney said. “We continually hear that studying abroad is one of the most beneficial choices they make in their undergrad career.”

Pourney’s passion for his work is evident and his past coworkers have taken notice.

“Matt is a very dedicated and capable education abroad professional,” Lindeman said. “He is dedicated to assisting students with study abroad.”

Study abroad provides growth academically and professionally. It ignites student’s passion to function internationally, in their career or personally. Pourney believes there will always be new CAFNR travel programs being developed that include geographical, academic and time variation.

“Ideally we want to have a portfolio of programs that makes it possible for students in every CAFNR program to have a study abroad option,” Pourney said. 

To learn more about study abroad or to meet Pourney, stop by 2-64 Agriculture Building. He can be reached by phone at 573-882-8301 or by email at pourneym@missouri.edu. 

If you are interested in a CAFNR Study Abroad program, visit http://cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad/ to check out the exciting travel opportunities that await.

“There was no bigger decision I made as an undergrad in terms of directing my future than studying abroad,” Pourney said. “It impacted my choice of a masters program and in terms of a career.”

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