The Elling Eide Center, a private research library and nature preserve that is dedicated to the study of classical Asian literature and art, recently welcomed Dr. Matthew Wells as its new director of research. Wells brings more than 20 years of experience in Asian studies to the Elling Eide Center. In his new role, Wells is tasked with managing the center’s programming, organizing professional meetings, preparing for conferences and organizing speaker series to bring in relevant scholars to the center, among other duties.

Most recently, Wells served as associate professor of Chinese at the University of Kentucky. During his time there, he taught a number of courses, including courses on Chinese language, Chinese culture and Chinese literature, among other topics. He also previously taught at the University of California, Berkeley; Eastern Oregon University; Beijing Capital Normal University; and the University of Oregon. He currently acts as the secretary-treasurer of the Early Medieval China Group and has served on a number of professional and institutional boards since 2002.