Mathis, Philip: - Philip Mathis was born and reared in Graves County, Kentucky where he progressed through public schools before beginning an educational odyssey that culminated in four degrees in the biological sciences from four universities including a doctorate from the University of Georgia.

He retired as dean of Middle Tennessee State University's Honors College in 2008 after many years of service as a professor of biology. As an educator, he was active in professional circles, played significant leadership roles, and was recognized multiple times for exemplary teaching and scholarship. His scholarly work is documented by journal articles, essays, technical guides, and as an author or co-author of more than a dozen books/laboratory manuals, and by the University Foundation's Career Achievement Award and the Society of College Science Teachers' Outstanding Undergraduate Science Teacher Award. Mathis is more than a science educator and scientist; he is also a poet, an author of short stories, a bird watcher, a conservationist, a fan of spectator sports, and a collector of American antiques.

His poems appear in several journals and anthologies and in two books: one that he edited (Time and Tradition, Twin Oaks Press, 2011), and one that he authored (Wandering in the Woods, Xlibris, 2012). Drumbeats is Mathis' third book devoted exclusively to poetry.