AUGUSTA — University College, the distance arm of the University of Maine System, has hired Araminta “Mina” Matthews to support distance learning instructors within the system.

Matthews was hired as an instructional designer. Her duties involve supporting and assisting faculty as they design instruction for online or blended learning. While her office is on the UMA campus, she is available to support faculty at any University of Maine System campus.

Before coming to University College, Matthews worked concurrently as adjunct writing faculty at CMCC and the CMMC College of Nursing and Health Professionals, as well as teaching English and career development for Lewiston Adult Education.

Her degrees are in creative writing, and she leads a double life as a writer. Her first book, “Blind Hunger,” is a zombie apocalypse novel for young adults. Her most recent title, “Write of the Living Dead,” is a co-authored writing manual that teaches different genres of writing through the veil of campy, young-adult-friendly horror characters.

Matthews completed her undergraduate work on the University of Maine at Farmington campus and resides in Lewiston.