About
Matthew Nugent ’16 credits his time at Carroll College with shaping both his perspective and his purpose. Nugent chose to attend Carroll College because of his deep ties to Helena and the example the institution set while he was growing up. Watching Carroll’s football four-peat as a child left a lasting impression, and he was drawn to the college’s reputation for academic rigor. Just as important, Carroll offered the strongest financial aid package, making a high-quality education both accessible and attainable. He graduated in 2016 with a degree in Sociology and a minor in TV Production, an academic combination that strengthened his ability to analyze complex social issues and communicate with empathy and clarity.
At Carroll, Nugent was influenced by faculty who challenged him to think critically and engage deeply—even when coursework pushed him outside his comfort zone. Those expectations, he says, taught him to remain curious, question assumptions, and examine the world without taking anything at face value. Beyond the classroom, student activities and campus events helped him build meaningful connections and balance, including meeting his future wife.
After graduation, Nugent began his career in social services, working his way up through a variety of frontline roles that exposed him to the realities faced by marginalized populations. That foundation eventually led him to his current role as a Forensic Clinical Care Manager at Kitsap Mental Health Services in Washington state, where he supports individuals involved in the legal system who are also navigating mental health challenges.
One of Nugent’s most impactful professional accomplishments has been helping victims of human trafficking leave the streets and begin the process of rebuilding their lives. He attributes his ability to do this work thoughtfully and without judgment to the well-rounded education he received at Carroll—one that emphasized critical thinking, compassion, and adaptability. “No two clients are the same,” he notes, “and each situation requires creativity, patience, and understanding.”
For current Carroll students, Nugent encourages full engagement with campus life. “Get involved. Go to student activities and sporting events. Step outside your comfort zone,” he says. “Those experiences are just as important as what happens in the classroom.”
He describes Carroll in three words: tough, engaging, and eventful—a place that prepared him to make a meaningful difference beyond campus.