Clyde Mathura

Clyde Bradman Mathura, PhD passed away peacefully on the morning of Christmas Eve, December 24, 2025, surrounded by family in Atlanta, Georgia. He was 87.

Clyde came from humble beginnings that shaped both his character and his ambition. He was born on February 5, 1938, in Port of Spain, Trinidad. His father, Chander Bhan Mathura, was a car salesman. His mother, Violet Rivers, worked at a department store. Trinidad's rich Indo-Caribbean heritage deeply informed his intellectual curiosity and professional pursuits throughout his life. Clyde credited his secondary schooling at St Mary's College with sharpening his intellect and igniting a lifelong dream: to rise through the ranks of American academia-a dream he ultimately fulfilled.

Clyde left Trinidad at the age of 30, in pursuit of a larger life. He was accepted to the University of Miami in Coral Gables, FL, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts cum laude ('69). He later applied to-and was accepted on a full academic scholarship at-the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he earned his Masters in Physiological Psychology ('72) and Ph.D in Medical Psychology ('75).

Nebraska was also where Clyde and his wife Miriam began their family, welcoming their son Bradman and daughter Kiran.

Clyde's academic career began as a Professor of Psychiatry at Howard University in Washington, DC, ('75) and culminated in his role as Dean of Arts & Sciences at Coppin State University in Baltimore, MD, from 1990 until retirement.

Clyde loved the University of Nebraska football and more recently, the women's volleyball team . On the rare occasions he covered his signature silver mane of hair, it was with a University of Nebraska baseball cap.

A favorite hobby of his was raising race horses during his time in Maryland. His love of horses began in childhood, watching races on the savannah in Port of Spain.

Clyde's handsome presence often drew people in, but it was his way with words that truly captivated. He delighted in deep conversation and could recall quotes from favorite films, literature, and pop culture into his lively discussions.

Clyde was happiest by the ocean. His well-earned retirement was spent with his loving wife Dee, dividing time between their homes in Connecticut and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. He also cherished visits to Atlanta to see his son, daughter, and their mother, where he and Dee were always welcomed and embraced.

Clyde is survived by his wife, Diane (Dee) Griffith; his children, Bradman and Kiran Mathura; his first wife, Miriam Mathura; and his son-in-law, Michael Hudson.