Personal photo uploaded by Rod Mattson.

Rod Mattson

Part Time Faculty
Communication Studies

Mailstop: 16-3

Phone: (206) 592-3266

Email: rmattson@highline.edu

September 2025 was the start of my 27th year of teaching, 19 at Highline, which is my third career. I returned to school to become a teacher 30 years ago and haven't worked a day in my life since then--compared to the work I used to do.

Over that time, I developed three principles that guide my decisions in life and teaching: Empathy, Cooperation, and Humility.

In the classroom, I apply the following theme every week: Separation by Preparation. You will hear me talk about it every week.

I found in the business arena that helping others achieve goals was much more rewarding to me than reaching my own goals. So teaching or training was the logical next step for me. I returned to school to earn an advance degree and have been teaching ever since. People who take my classes will find I am helping to better equip them for the organizational world. It is important to get along and learn the ability to influence others.

The fastest way to rise through an organization is exposure. There is no better or faster way to earn exposure than public speaking and superior communication skills.

I grew up in this area--Burien/White Center. I graduated from Kennedy High School and Highline College, with my advanced degree from Eastern Washington University. My hobbies are fishing, golfing, and boating.

Summer 2026

Arranged or Online

CMST& 220 14683-OA (14683)

10:00 am

Online class and Hybrid class

Meets Mon, tues, thurs, fri from 10:00 am ‐ 2:00 pm
Zoom by Appointment

Online class and Hybrid class

Meets Mon, tues, thurs, fri from 10:00 am ‐ 2:00 pm
Zoom by Appointment

12:00 pm

Summer 2026 for Hybrid Class and folks in online class

Meets Wednesday from 12:15 ‐ 12:45 pm
Building 14 Room 101

12:30 pm

CMST& 220 14687-HY (14687)

Meets Wednesday from 12:45 ‐ 3:45 pm
Bldg 14 Room 101-Classroom