The University of Central Missouri has selected Matt Howdeshell as the university’s next Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics. Howdeshell will join the University of Central Missouri (UCM) June 19, 2023, after serving in athletics at Northern Arizona University (NAU) 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.

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.

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. 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.

Photo courtesy of University of Central Missouri.