Deirdre Matthews ’12G

A Special Investigator for New York City, Deirdre Matthews calls her continued connection to St. John’s “profound.”

Ms. Matthews received her Master of Arts degree in Criminology and Justice from St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in 2012. She continues to speak at alumni events and frequently shares insights on her career with current students. “When I began my studies at St. John's, I was unsure of my career path,” Ms. Matthews observed. “Through the guidance I received from my professors and a strong alumni network, I quickly found my direction.”

As a professional in the city’s fight against corruption, Ms. Matthews is responsible for conducting criminal investigations by interviewing subjects and witnesses, issuing subpoenas, and executing search warrants. St. John’s faculty prepared her well for these responsibilities, she stressed: “with the small class size, professors were able to take the time to really get to know us.” She credited Judith Ryder, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Sociology and Anthropology, and Robert Tillman, Ph.D., Professor of Sociology and Anthropology, with being especially impactful mentors.

Her professors also helped her secure an internship that led to her current full-time position. “The faculty serve as liaisons between the alumni community and current students,” said Ms. Matthews. “Thanks to them, I am contributing by doing the things I enjoy—research, evaluation, and obtaining information from a variety of sources to arrive at a conclusion.”