Contact Information 

• Phone: (320) 308-3246 Fax: (320) 308-5122 Dept: (320) 308-2107
• Email: prmattson@stcloudstate.edu
• Websites  http://web.stcloudstate.edu/prmattson/ and http://web.stcloudstate.edu/prmattson/eFolio/mainsite/index.htm

Advising
Air traffic control, FAA CTI aviation management, aviation distance education

• Ed.D. - Leadership & Adult Education, Saint Mary’s University Minnesota
• Master of Science - Administration, Central Michigan University
• Bachelor of Science - Management, Park University
• A.A.S. - Air Traffic Control, Community College of the Air Force
• A.A.S. - Marketing, Chippewa Valley Technical College

Courses Taught

Research Interests

Interactive online education and effective aviation training.

Did You Know? 

Dr. Mattson is also a certified on-line university instructor. 

Education Philosophy

Education and training carry costs, either to the individual or to the organization.  If it is done correctly the parties are enriched and the employee gains skills and knowledge to apply on the job and in life; if it is done poorly the organization, trainer, and learner/student have wasted time and financial resources. 

Malcolm Knowles developed the Andragogy theory of adult education (the process of engaging adult learners in the structure of the learning experience): self-concept and motivation to learn; experience, readiness to learn, and problem- rather than content- orientation to learning (adapted http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andragogy). The process to find out what background and motivation learners have and then adapt the lessons to their particular styles and interests is both frustrating and challenging to me.  e-Learning, supported with Active Learning tools shows much promise in our quest to expand access to many people.

I only ask of my students that they come prepared to learn and engage fully in the process.  I realize that my class might not be a priority for them at a particular time but eventually they must take the responsibility for their own advancement in the course.   I am an integral part of that journey and bear some of the blame if they do not succeed and share in the joy if they do well.  I have been helping others succeed for the past two decades; over the years I was privileged to witness numerous students succeed and go on to highly productive careers. 

A few years ago one of my former students told me that I solve problems even before the student realized there was one – I took this as a high compliment – it describes accurately my dedication to student service.

Recent Publications & Presentations

• Mattson, P., Johnson, J., Olson, A., & Ferguson, M. (2007, Spring). Gender and cultural curriculum issues for undergraduate aviation students. Collegiate Aviation Review, 25(1) 46-56
• Mattson, P., (2006). [Software by Busch, C., and Kampa, E.]. Air traffic control career prep guide. 2nd edition. ASA, Inc., Newcastle, WA  Amazon link here and ASA web site here.
• Mattson, P. (2006, June/July) Wisconsin students go out-of-state for 4-Year aviation degree. Midwest Flyer, Oregon, WI. pages 49 & 52.
• Mattson, P. (2003). Analysis of aviation faculty attitudes about information technology and on-line education (unpublished doctoral dissertation)
• Ecker, K. & Lechner, A., [Mattson, P. technical assistance]. (2002, November).  Voice recognition - Software solutions in real-time ATC workstations. IEEE AESS Systems Magazine, p. 11-16. Presentation and proceedings of the 20th DASC, Orlando, FL
• Mattson, P. (2000, June/July) Aviation education at St. Cloud State University, Midwest Flyer, Oregon, WI. 22(4) 6-7.
• Rankin, J., and Mattson, P. (1998, October 31 - November 7).  Controller-pilot data link (CPDLC) statistics from NASA’s 1997 Atlanta flight test. Proceedings of the 17th DASC, Seattle, WA.
• Rankin, J., & Mattson, P. (1997, October). Controller interface for controller-pilot data link communications (CPDLC), Proceedings of the 16th DASC, Irvine CA.
• Mattson, P. & Rankin, J. (1997, September). Research & design of an ATCT ground controller CPDLC workstation. Proceedings of the 42nd Air Traffic Control Association conference, Washington, DC.
• Mattson, P. (1996). Air traffic control study guide. republished ASA, Inc. Newcastle, WA
• Thornberg, H., Mattson, P. & Sundheim, R. (1995, Winter). The Effect of the course “Women in Aviation” on college student attitudes regarding women in the career field of aviation. Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education and Research. 5(2) 17-21.
• Mattson, P. (1995, April).  FBOs and future education for aviation students. MCOA Annual Conference. Willmar, MN.
• Mattson, P. (1992; revised 1993-2003) Aviation Student Handbook, St. Cloud State University.
• Mattson, P., DeMars, D. and Blenkush, R. (1992, May 5-6). Survey of international air traffic control training, 3rd Annual Transportation Research Conference, University of Minnesota.
• Thornberg, H. & Isaacson, R. [Mattson, P. technical assistance].  (1992, Fall). Relationships between technically oriented secondary school courses and a college private pilot ground school. Collegiate Aviation Review 9(1), 32-37.
• Thornberg, H. & Mattson, P. (1992, September/October). An Academic study of women in aviation. Women in Aviation 4(4) 6-7.
• Mattson, P. (1991-94). Regional impact of the St. Cloud, MN airport. Unpublished
• Mattson, P. (1990). Air traffic control test preparation study guide, IAP, Inc., Casper, WY
• Mattson, P. (1987). Analysis of FAA cooperative education as primary employment-training vehicle (unpublished Masters paper)