Matthew Zittritsch joined the Center for Global Engagement (CGE) in August of 2025. He arrived at JMU with four years of experience in higher education having previously worked at the College of Charleston within their Campus Housing and School of Business divisions. In his current role as Assistant Director of Engagement & Outreach, he is responsible for increasing student engagement in all JMU abroad programs, oversees marketing efforts and leads the CGE's Global Ambassador program.

Originally from Iowa, Matthew received his B.S. in Physical & Health Education (K-12) from the University of Dubuque, where he was also a member of the men's varsity cross country team. He then went on to receive his M.A. in International Education from the School for International Training (SIT) Graduate Institute.

Matthew was a three-time study abroad participant as an undergraduate having studied for a semester in Newcastle, Australia (Spring 2014), and twice with Semester at Sea (Fall 2015 and 2017). He served for two years as a Community & Youth Development Volunteer in Armenia with the Peace Corps, also a year as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer in Colorado.

In his free time, Matthew enjoys traveling to new places, having already visited 40 countries, and walking with his wife and their dog, Rosie. He also enjoys refereeing and playing soccer.