Matthew Ponesse, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of History, earned his B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Toronto, Canada. He received his Bachelors degree with majors in history and philosophy. He then pursued graduate work at the University of Toronto's Centre for Medieval Studies, where he received his M.A. and Ph.D. in the field of Medieval Studies. Dr. Ponesse regularly offers courses in European History, the history of the Middle Ages, and Latin. He also teaches in the core curriculum and the Masters of Arts in Liberal Studies program. In 2006, he was the recipient of the Conley Award in recognition for outstanding teaching and dedication to students.

Dr. Ponesse's research focuses on the education and practice of monks in eighth and ninth centuries. He also publishes articles on the transmission and reception of patristic learning in Carolingian Europe.