Actor Matthew McConaughey has done a lot in his 28-year career. He’s earned numerous awards and won the respect of millions for his charitable work. Now, the Texan is taking on another role as a college professor at his alma mater.

That’s Professor McConaughey To You

The University of Texas at Austin declared McConaughey professor of practice at the Moody College of Communications. Since 2015, he has served as a visiting professor at the university. Alongside faculty member Scott Rice, McConaughey taught the Script to Screen film production class. Two sessions showcased the filming behind his 2016 movie Free State of Jones. Other sessions have focused on the films White Boy Rick and The Beach Bum.

“It’s the class I wish I would have had when I was in film school. Working in the classroom with these students gives me a chance to prepare them,” McConaughey said in a press release. “Making movies, turning words on paper into film, is both a science and art – no matter the time or generation. The elements of truth and genuine joy for the process are timeless. That will always be our classroom focus.”

McConaughey graduated from the university in 1993 with a major in film. During his time there, he directed the short film Chicano Chariots. McConaughey also used his directing skills for 1998’s The Rebel.

Stars In The Classroom

McConaughey isn’t the only Hollywood star that taught in college. In 2017, Angelina Jolie started teaching at the London School of Economics. The actress taught the course Women, Peace and Security. Jolie launched The LSE Centre for Women, Peace and Security with former U.K. foreign secretary William Hague. “I am delighted that LSE postgraduate students have had the unique opportunity to learn directly from the valuable insights, perspectives and experiences that Angelina Jolie, UN special envoy and visiting professor in practice, brought to the class,” Professor Christine Chinkin said in a press release.

In 1993, Spike Lee began teaching at his alma mater New York University. In 2002, he became the artistic director at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. The Oscar-winning director teaches classes in film during the fall semester. Thousands of students apply for his class, but only a select few can get in. “He works with students on thesis films and some post-graduate work. He also advises on faculty hires, and the dean and chairs sometimes consult with him. There is still some excitement among undergraduates. Students want to take his class. We get a lot of requests from outside the department,” NYU director of strategic initiatives Patti Pearson told Diverse Education. Before NYU, Lee taught filmmaking at Harvard University.

Alright, Alright, Alright

When he’s not teaching, McConaughey will be busy with The Gentleman and Sing 2. Releasing on January 24, 2020, The Gentleman is a crime comedy directed by Guy Ritchie. Sing 2 finds McConaughey reprising his role as Buster Moon. 2016’s Sing earned $634.2 worldwide, and it became the highest-grossing movie to never be number one in America. Sing 2 is set for a July 2, 2021 release worldwide.

This fall, McConaughey will teach classes about The Gentleman and his 2012 film Mud. Jeff Nichols, who directed Mud and Take Shelter, will be a guest. With his new role, McConaughey gives back to the school that gave him important lessons. “We are proud to welcome Professor McConaughey to officially join our world-class faculty,” said Moody College Dean Jay Bernhardt also stated in a press release. “Matthew cares deeply for our school and our students, and we are thrilled that he shares his time and talent to help prepare the next generation of media leaders and innovators.”