Mathews is the Hamilton City School Board president and was named Hamilton's Citizen of the Year in 2018.

The Rev. Shaquila Mathews, better known as “Pastor Shaq,” said that pursuing an associate degree in Criminal Justice from Miami University is a "dream come true" and evidence that “at any age, you can accomplish your goals.”

The Hamilton City School Board president was named Hamilton’s Citizen of the Year in 2018. She was recognized for her work as founder and CEO of the nonprofit HYPE (Hamilton Young People Empowered) Hamilton, a summer youth work program and after-school program for hundreds of teens.

Mathews was lead pastor of Truth & Life Church in Hamilton for six years before it closed in 2020 during the pandemic. The Hamilton native is known for mentoring youth and her efforts to stop youth gun violence.

She had a personal reason to pursue the Associate in Applied Science in Criminal Justice from the Regionals. Her brother, Calvin “CJ” Simmons Jr., 37, a father of five girls, was shot dead in his home in 2016.

“I want to be a part of change and help understand the legal system and process,” Mathews said. “My brother was murdered here in Hamilton and his case is still unsolved. For me, it moved me to get further involved, and this was my way."

Mathews and her best friend, Chancy McKinzie, began attending classes at the Regionals in 2023. Both were degree candidates during the Dec. 12 Fall Commencement ceremony at Millett Hall.

A full-time job and family commitments

Mathews and her best friend, Chancy McKinzie, began attending classes at the Hamilton and Middletown campuses in 2023. Both were degree candidates during the Dec. 12 Fall Commencement ceremony at Millett Hall.

“It was something to take in and be in that atmosphere and to put on that gown and sit amongst every student who has made sacrifices,” Mathews said. “Everyone in that room has a story,” she said, “and that was the moment it was all worth it.”

“We discussed how cool it would be if we went back together to help encourage each other, be a strength, and keep each other accountable because, face it, school is tough,” she said. “So, to have someone with you, to walk with, and know exactly what you are going through was everything.”

They spent countless nights writing papers to meet deadlines during those two years of classes.

“We were both full-time students while working full time and taking care of our kids and other life responsibilities,” she said, remembering how McKinzie was once up with her sick daughter but still plugging away to meet deadlines.

“We are very thankful for our village,” Mathews said. “I’m also very thankful for my two boys (ages 18 and 22) who encouraged me to pursue my dreams. Their support got me through some difficult times.”

McKinzie’s mom — “who is like a mother to me as well” — made sure they ate when they traveled back and forth to class, she said. They spent many days and nights on her couch doing homework as McKinzie cared for her mom as she battled cancer. Mathews lost her own mother in 2023.

The hardest part of the journey? “What stands out the most is staying consistent and showing up because being working adults with a family and having kids and family responsibilities and community commitments make it tough to balance at times,” she said. “And to jump back in full time and adjusting to the rigorous school schedule was tough.”

Mathews with her brother, Calvin “CJ” Simmons Jr., at a barbecue at his home in 2014 (photo courtesy of Mathews).

Inspiring others

Mathews, who was recently voted school board president for the second year, said she’s thankful for the opportunity to serve her community.

Being named Hamilton Citizen of the Year was a great honor. “To be recognized and accept such an award was humbling, and I can’t say enough about my peers and my city that I serve,” she said. “I’ve been blessed to receive so many awards and proclamations, and I had never allowed that to overshadow that I’m a servant leader and I give all glory to God. And I’m honored he would choose me for such work."

She added, “I have been able to do some really amazing meaningful work with HYPE Hamilton, a grassroots organization dedicated to teens and helping them achieve to be the best them possible through the support of dedicated mentors and staff to walk alongside them.”

On Monday, Mathews will begin taking classes at Miami to continue her education with the aim of potentially doing advocacy work or eventually working in forensics on cases that have gone cold.

“My brother’s case is considered a cold case,” she said of Simmons, whose daughters are now 18 to 26. His youngest, Aniyah, now a Hamilton High School senior, is a top student in her graduating class.

When Mathews was asked what she hopes teens in her community take away from her story, she said, “that it’s never too late to go after your goals and dreams. If I can do it, so can you, because I have been where you are and walked down a lot of the same paths and made it through. I allow my life to be an example of what is possible.”

Mathews’ advice also applies to any adult, no matter their age, who might be considering going to school as a non-traditional student.

“Go for it. It’s never too late. Get you a village and jump in and go for it.”

Established in 1809, Miami University is located in Oxford, Ohio, with regional campuses in Hamilton and Middletown, a learning center in West Chester, and a European study center in Luxembourg. Interested in learning more about the Department of Justice and Community Studies at the Regionals? Visit the website for more information.