WARRENSBURG, Mo. – Roger Best, president of the University of Central Missouri, has selected Matt Howdeshell as the university's next Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics. Howdeshell will join UCM June 19, 2023, after serving in athletics at Northern Arizona University for more than 12 years. Currently the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Administration and Capital Projects, Howdeshell works with team members to oversee all aspects of a $25 million operating budget, lead $60 million of capital projects, coordinate capital fundraising efforts, serve as the sport administrator for the football program, while supervising the athletics business office, strength and conditioning and video staffs.
Dr. Best noted, "Dr. Howdeshell's outstanding skills and breadth of experience provide us with the expertise we need to navigate and succeed during this transformational time in intercollegiate athletics. He is one of the most authentic individuals I have ever met, and he cares deeply about people and relationships. His family connection to Johnson County and his Missouri roots provide him with tremendous insights into UCM's long-standing tradition of athletics and academic success, and I look forward to his leadership."
NAU Athletic Director Mike Marlow, 2022 FCS Cushman Wakefield Athletic Director of the Year, praised Howdeshell for his tremendous impact at NAU by noting, "Matt's strong leadership abilities are anchored by the genuine trust he earns from coaches and staff through honesty, work ethic, intelligence, and loyalty. The Mules and Jennies are lucky to get him; he'll be tremendously missed here."
Hailing from Cuba, Missouri, Howdeshell also has a proven ability to generate revenue beyond traditional fundraising. He worked collaboratively with student and university leadership to pass the NAU's first ever athletic student fee, generating more than $3.1 million in incremental revenue its first year. Howdeshell also helped secure the renewal of the department's apparel contract, the largest in the Big Sky Conference at the time, and NAU's first ever multimedia rights partnership with Learfield, which has enhanced NAU Athletics' visibility, branding, and corporate sponsorship revenue. Howdeshell has also spearheaded several strategic financial initiatives and has been involved in many student-athlete welfare projects relating to gender equity and the student-athlete experience.
In accepting the position, Howdeshell stated, "I am truly honored to be selected to lead UCM Athletics and grateful to President Best and the search committee at Central Missouri for placing their confidence in me. My wife, Hiliary, and I are excited to come home to Missouri and for our family to join the Mule, Jennie, and Warrensburg communities. I look forward to working with the exceptional coaches and staff to honor past traditions, serve our student-athletes, and build the future for UCM Athletics."
Howdeshell previously served NAU as the Associate Athletic Director for Administration and Capital Projects, Assistant Athletic Director for Administration, and as the Director of Football Operations. He began his athletics career as a student manager and video coordinator at Missouri State University.
The son of two first-generation, non-traditional college students, Howdeshell earned a bachelor's degree from Missouri State University in History Education, and a master's degree in Educational Leadership and Doctor of Educational Leadership from NAU. Howdeshell and his wife, Hiliary, have three sons: Peter, Benjamin, and Max.
Kathy Anderson, UCM alumna, all-America student athlete, and longstanding Senior Woman Administrator has served as Interim Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics this year. Recognizing her many contributions, Best stated, "I appreciate Kathy's strong leadership as interim Vice President. She is incredibly well-respected on campus and nationally, and we wouldn't be the program we are today without her many years of dedicated, selfless, and invaluable leadership."
The search committee chaired by Provost Phil Bridgmon also included: Lindsay Chapman, General Counsel, Committee Vice Chair; Lewis Theobald, Head Coach, UCM Women's Soccer; Sydney Lierz, Student Athlete, UCM Women's Volleyball; Marshall Abney, President and CEO, Central Bank, UCM alumnus and former student-athlete; Homer Kay, President, UCM Alumni-Foundation Board.
UCM alumnus Abney remarked, "After conducting a thorough national search, what impressed me about Matt was his deliberative and thoughtful approach to incorporating the business and student experience sides of the role to optimally position Athletics to serve as the front porch of UCM. He has a relationships-based approach to leadership that will ignite community and alumni engagement while achieving wins across the department, in competition and in the classroom."
Howdeshell will be visiting campus later in the week and will attend a public meet and greet hosted by the president. Details are available
here.
What They're Saying...
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"Matt Howdeshell is a visionary leader with a passion for college athletics. His transparent, thoughtful, collaborative leadership and commitment to excellence will serve the University of Central Missouri well now and into the future."
- Rita Cheng, NAU President Emerita, and Former Southern Illinois University Carbondale Chancellor
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"The world of college athletics gained a phenomenal leader today by welcoming Dr. Matt Howdsell as the new VP of Intercollegiate Athletics at The University of Central Missouri. As the Faculty Athletic Representative at Northern Arizona University, I was fortunate to work with Matt in both the athletic and academic realm. I know his academic experience guides his passion to bring a caring and collaborative atmosphere to Central Missouri. His positive presence and work ethic will provide student-athletes with an amazing holistic experience and optimize their academic and athletic potential."
- Alisse Ali-Joseph, Northern Arizona University Faculty Athletic Representative & NCAA Division I Council Member
"The University of Central Missouri hired a class act in Matt Howdeshell. I have had the great pleasure of watching Matt grow in this industry, gaining the experience that has prepared him to successfully lead the athletics department with the student-athlete experience at the forefront. Matt is a servant leader who has the ability to bring people together to achieve amazing goals. The future is bright for UCM Athletics under Matt's leadership."
- Lisa Campos, University of Texas at San Antonio, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics
"I have a deep history with the MIAA: My dad played and coached football in the MIAA, as did I. Watch out MIAA. Matt Howdeshell will raise the standard. Character, Work Ethic, Vision. The University of Central Missouri made a great hire!"
- Chris Ball, NAU Head Football Coach
"Matt is one of the best administrators I have ever had the privilege to work with. He is kind, compassionate, and knowledgeable and has an amazing ability to connect with all coaches and athletic department members. Central Missouri hit a home run with this hire and he will be greatly missed!"
- Loree Payne, NAU Women's Basketball Head Coach
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"Matt Howdeshell is a deeply impactful and respected administrator that will bring passion and vision to Central Missouri Athletics. He is devoted to his student athletes and he will inspire a championship culture for the athletics community. He knows what coaches need; I felt his support firsthand as my program won national championships. Congratulations to Matt, his family and to the University of Central Missouri."
- Mike Smith, Director of Cross Country/Track & Field, Northern Arizona University; 6 Time NCAA D-1 Cross Country National Champion
"Matt Howdeshell's unwavering dedication to student-athletes and community engagement is a testament to his character and leadership. His experience at NAU has prepared him well for the opportunity of being an Athletic Director. I have no doubt that he will be a perfect fit for the UCM community and its teams!"
- Sydney Crockett, Jennies Women's Basketball Alum, Member of 2017-2018 National Championship Team & UCM Hall of Fame
"Matt Howdeshell will do a tremendous job leading the Central Missouri athletic department. He is a hardworking, detailed guy that connects well with everyone he works with. I really enjoyed my years working with Matt."
- Andy Thompson, Sacramento State University Head Football Coach
"Congratulations to UCM on selecting an individual that will perfectly compliment the program Jerry built. Matt is someone that will be thoughtful and measured in his decision making, which were some of Jerry's best traits. Matt's different roles in college athletics helped develop his unique way of listening to all constituencies, in a way that makes them feel valued and appreciated."
- Jim Fallis, Former University of Northern Colorado Athletic Director (1993-2004) & National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Hall of Fame Member
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