TUJ Mourns the Loss of Mai Matsuno PhD, Instructor of Writing

The Japan campus of Temple University (TUJ) is mourning the loss of Professor Mai Matsuno, PhD, who passed away on August 21, 2021. Professor Matsuno, was a devoted teacher, scholar and respected colleague of TUJ community. In teaching at TUJ since 2004, she touched the lives of hundreds of TUJ students through our First Year Writing Program and Bridge Program.

Professor Matsuno received her BA from Keio University in 1995, her MEd from Temple University in 2004, and her PhD in English Education from International Christian University in 2017. She was an experienced translator with over 25 years experience. Just recently, she became a certified patent translator in the fields of chemistry and mechatronics.

Professor Matsuno had a profound impact on many members of the TUJ community, and we asked a few of them to share their memories of her:

“Mai was always passionate about teaching. Her students spoke highly of her as a compassionate, caring and skilled teacher. She was always generous in sharing her time and knowledge with the FYWP faculty and was a role model to all of us with her high level of professionalism and commitment to student success.”

Sunghee Ahn
Assistant Professor and Director of First Year Writing Program

“When she was in the classroom, that’s where she shined. She was a passionate, engaged and engaging teacher, with a fine eye for details in the art of academic writing. She never stopped learning, and bettering herself.”

Mariko Nagai
Professor of Creative Writing & Japanese Literature
Director of Research
Study Abroad Academic Coordinator

“Mai was very talented, and one of the most dedicated instructors I had the opportunity to work with while I was director of the FYWP.”

Ada Angel Ed.D
Associate Professor, Psychological studies
Director of Writing

Professor Matsuno will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by family, friends, colleagues and students. Our condolences and heartfelt thoughts go out to everyone who had the opportunity to know her.