It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Charles Matson, professor emeritus of respiratory therapy and health sciences. Our beloved friend passed away Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025. The MGA flag will be flown on all campuses for one week in memory of Dr. Matson, who was employed at MGA for almost 30 years.
Dr. Matson began his career at Macon State College April 3, 1995, as a part-time clinical instructor in respiratory therapy. He continued to teach clinicals until January 1999. On Jan. 4, 2000, Dr. Matson accepted the position of director of respiratory therapy in the Division of Health Sciences. Dr. Matson retired with Middle Georgia State University on Aug. 1, 2023. In his retirement, he came back to teach part-time with the Department of Respiratory Therapy in Jan. 1, 2024.
Teri Miller shared the following remarks about Dr. Matson:
“Dr. Charles Matson has made a tremendous impact over the past four decades on our respiratory therapy community here at MGA, within central Georgia, and throughout Georgia and beyond. A past president for the Georgia Society for Respiratory Care, Charles inspired and mentored many respiratory therapists within the profession with a talent for teaching that was uniquely his own. Charles was a friend to all and made learning fun. We are tremendously grateful for the foundation he helped establish within our respiratory therapy programs here at MGA, leading as department chair for many years and eventually as interim dean and professor emeritus of respiratory therapy, a legacy to be proud of. We are most grateful for Charles’ friendship, and our team and alumni grieve his loss and will keep his family in our thoughts and prayers now and in the days to come.”
In lieu of flowers, the family has requests that memorial contributions be made to the Retired MGA Respiratory Faculty and Staff Scholarship established in his honor through the Middle Georgia State University Foundation at giving.mga.edu. Please note in the comments section that the contribution is for the Charles Matson Scholarship.
Services for Dr. Matson will be held at the First Baptist Church of Christ, 511 High Place, Macon, GA 31201 on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025. Family visitation will be from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. in the church sanctuary. The service will follow at 2 p.m. Condolences may be expressed online.
During this time of bereavement, please respect the family’s privacy and keep Dr. Matson’s family, friends, and colleagues in your thoughts and prayers.
