WARRENSBURG, Mo. — The University of Central Missouri (UCM) has extended the contract of Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Matt Howdeshell through June 30, 2030, reaffirming the university's confidence in his leadership and the momentum he has generated since arriving in 2023.

President Roger Best praised Howdeshell's wide-ranging impact on the student-athlete experience, competitive success, strategic planning, fundraising, and fan engagement.

"Dr. Howdeshell has been tenacious during his tenure in ensuring that our student athletes have an unparalleled experience that transcends competition and that our coaches receive the support necessary to deliver on our promise of winning, but winning the right way," said President Best.

"He has assembled an incredible staff that performs at the highest level in Division II and in all of intercollegiate athletics. I very much appreciate Dr. Howdeshell's values-driven leadership, relationships-first orientation, and integration of strategic and financial planning to create sustained Athletics excellence and vision for our continued success in this incredibly dynamic, NIL-driven environment. I look forward to his many years of continued service to UCM," he said.

Howdeshell said he is grateful for the trust placed in him and energized by the department's trajectory.

"I am very grateful and fortunate to work alongside President Best, the Board of Governors, our coaches, staff, student-athletes, alumni, and supporters, who share a deep commitment to excellence and to the success of Central Missouri Athletics. The momentum we've built over the past two-plus years is real, and I'm energized by the opportunity to continue advancing this department with them."

He added, "This is home to my family and me, and I'm honored to play a small part in the incredible progress we've made together. The best days for UCM Athletics are still ahead, and I look forward to continuing to build on the championship standard we've established. Go Mules and Jennies!"

---

A Record of Results
Since joining UCM in June 2023, Howdeshell has led the department to measurable gains on and off the field, including:

• Student-Athlete Experience: Prioritizing student-athlete well-being, enhancements during Howdeshell's tenure include: launching The Central Stable Collective, UCM's first Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) Collective, overseeing the creation and construction of UCM's student-athlete fueling station and nutrition program, and empowering the creation and hiring of a mental health professional dedicated to UCM student-athletes.

• Athletic Excellence: In Howdeshell's two-plus years, he has overseen one NCAA DII individual national champion, two NCAA DII team national runner-up finishes, three NCAA DII regional championships, eight MIAA Championships, and 21 NCAA postseason appearances. Mules Football quarterback Zach Zebrowski won the 2023 and 2024 Harlon Hill Trophy, becoming only the fifth student-athlete in the history of the award to win it multiple times, while UCM became the fifth school to have three award winners. Additionally, during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, the Mules Football team won a combined 20 games, tying the most successful two-year stretch in the program's 129-year history.

• Academic Achievements: UCM has excelled in the classroom during Howdeshell's tenure, totaling more than 645 Mules and Jennies earning MIAA Academic Honor Roll recognition, and a department-wide 3.19 grade point average (GPA).

• Shared Vision for the Future: To ensure alignment with university-wide initiatives, Howdeshell engaged a broad range of stakeholders to develop a comprehensive strategic plan for UCM Athletics. During this same period, a long-term athletics master facility planning process was also completed, identifying priorities and capital fundraising objectives.

• Facility Enhancements: Howdeshell has overseen the completion of more than $4 million in facility improvements, including but not limited to: The Harbert Collegiate Golf Center, Terry Noland Football Offices, Jennies Softball stadium turf installation, Walton Stadium lighting upgrades and suite renovations, Student-Athlete fueling station, and the rededication of the Multipurpose Building to the Jerry M. Hughes Athletics Center.

• Revenue Generation: UCM Athletics' annual fundraising efforts were rebranded as the Cardinal & Black Fund, resulting in a 187 percent increase in membership, a 97 percent rise in the annual fund, and a quadrupling of giving at the highest level. Taymar Sales U was incorporated to assist UCM in maximizing corporate partnership revenue, resulting in a 45 percent growth. Howdeshell negotiated a five-year apparel contract extension with BSN/Nike, making it the most lucrative apparel contract in the MIAA.

• Fan Experience: Howdeshell oversaw several game day experience enhancements, including upgrades to concessions, entertainment, and the implementation of alcohol sales at athletic events. The improvements were evident in the numbers: 75 percent of UCM's ticketed sports saw an increase in average attendance, with five of them rising by more than 10 percent. Mules Football averaged more than 7,500 fans per game in 2024-25, ranking sixth in all NCAA Division II. Baseball attendance climbed 42 percent in 2025. Jennies Soccer set a single-game attendance record that same year, while Jennies Volleyball set its own record in 2023.

• Community Engagement: During the 2024-25 academic year, UCM student-athletes, coaches, and staff logged more than 5,000 community service hours in and around Warrensburg. These efforts were highlighted by UCM Athletics winning the Warrensburg Main Street and the State of Missouri Main Street's "Community Partner of the Year Award." The department also continued its commitment to literacy: 2025 marked the 33rd year of the 'Literacy Team' program, with more than 200 student-athletes (the most ever) reading books to students at four Warrensburg elementary schools, gifting over 100 new books to the schools' libraries.

---

Notable Supporters Weigh In
"I want to personally congratulate Matt on this well-deserved extension. Since he joined the university in 2023, Matt has raised the profile, revenue, fan experience, and community impact of the university. His commitment to improving the athlete experience while also investing in their academic success is something I am confident he will continue to focus on."  -- Jim Crane, Owner and Chairman, Houston Astros, and UCM alumnus.

"Matt's leadership has been transformational for UCM Athletics, and his contract extension is tremendous news for the UCM community. His energy around reconnecting and engaging former UCM student-athletes has strengthened the pride and tradition that define UCM. As one of the first Division II programs to build a true NIL Collective, The Central Stable Collective couldn't ask for a stronger partner. From day one, Matt has been a champion for innovative, student-athlete-first opportunities. I know he will continue to elevate the experience and success of today's Mules and Jennies, further advancing the tradition and legacy of UCM athletics." -- Daria Byrne, Vice President, Product and Tech Operations, Coupa; UCM Volleyball Alum; Co-founder, Central Stable Collective.

"Since joining our community, Matt has been an incredible asset to UCM and to Warrensburg. He brings fresh ideas, genuine passion, and a commitment to elevating both the student-athlete experience and the future trajectory of UCM Athletics. His leadership has already made a meaningful impact, and his long-term vision positions UCM for even greater success."  -- Evan Harris, President and CEO, Cliff Harris Auto Group.

"Over the past two years, I've had the privilege of working closely with Matt, and I could not be more confident in the leadership he brings to the university. His vision, discipline, and ability to inspire others have strengthened the athletic department in meaningful ways—from elevating talent and enhancing internal processes to expanding fundraising capabilities. This extension is a tremendous step forward, and I'm excited to see the continued growth and impact his leadership will bring."  -- David Neuenschwander (UCM Alum, former Mules football player and retired business executive).

"As a supporter of UCM Athletics, I'm happy to see Matt Howdeshell's contract extended. In his first three years, he's laid a foundation—strengthening our programs, supporting student-athletes, and creating a vision for the future. His leadership gives me confidence that the investments we make today will continue to grow. I'm excited to see him build on the momentum he's started and take UCM Athletics to even greater heights. Matt and his family have been a great asset to our community. We are happy that they will be with us for years to come."  -- Matt Lotspeich, Lotspeich Automotive, Inc.

---

About Dr. Howdeshell
Dr. Howdeshell joined UCM in 2023, following a decade at Northern Arizona University, where he held senior leadership roles and contributed to conference championships, capital projects, budget management, revenue generation, and student-athlete success. He serves on several MIAA committees and represents the conference on the NACDA Division II Athletic Directors Association Board of Directors.

A native of Cuba, Mo., and the son of two first-generation college students, he holds a bachelor's degree from Missouri State University and master's and doctoral degrees from Northern Arizona University. He and his wife, Hiliary, have four sons: Peter, Benjamin, Max, and George.