Dean Emeritus Seoud M. Matta has passed away. He was 83.
Matta was dean of Pratt Institute’s School of Information and Library Science (now the School of Information) from 1991 to 1999. He began his career at Pratt in 1969 as a part-time faculty member and became full-time faculty in 1972, rising to the rank of professor. He retired from Pratt in 2002, and in 2004 he received the honorary title of Dean Emeritus.
Matta received his master of library science and doctor of liberal studies degrees from Columbia University after earning a bachelor of arts in library science from Cairo University.
He was known for his work in computerizing the library science field (for example, creating electronic catalogs) as well his work in the information area for several governments in the Persian Gulf, including those of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
Over the years, Matta was a strong supporter of Pratt’s School of Information, and he established the Seoud M. Matta Endowed Scholarship in Information Technology in 2000. The annual award provides support to a School of Information student.
Matta is survived by his wife Paula, son Adam, and his two sisters.