Dr. Matt Howdeshell joined the University of Central Missouri as its Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics in June 2023. At his introduction, he stated, “Central Missouri Athletics has a storied tradition, one that we will continue to shape as we honor the past and build the future through work ethic, innovative spirit, and a team mindset.” In Howdeshell’s brief tenure, he has put UCM Athletics on a positive, upward trajectory.
Strategic Leadership & Organizational Vision
Upon taking leadership, Howdeshell initiated a comprehensive five-year strategic planning process that engaged university and community stakeholders to define the department's long-term vision, values, and goals. Concurrently, he spearheaded a long-term athletics master facility plan that established clear capital development priorities and fundraising benchmarks to ensure sustainable growth.
The Howdeshell family
Competitive & Academic Excellence
UCM Athletics continues to perform among the nation's elite in NCAA Division II:
- Competitive Success: UCM finished 14th in the national LEARFIELD Director’s Cup standings during the 2025-26 season (marking 20 consecutive years in the top 30 for UCM). UCM has captured nine MIAA Championships, four regional titles, two National Runner-Up finishes, and teams have secured 32 NCAA postseason appearances during his tenure.
- Individual Achievements: Highlighted by quarterback Zach Zebrowski winning back-to-back Harlon Hill Trophies (2023 & 2024), wrestler Jakason Burks winning the 2025 National Championship (125 pounds), five individual national runner-up finishes, and numerous other standout national accolades across track & field, golf, and basketball.
- Academic Leadership: UCM student-athletes achieved a 3.30 department GPA during the 2025–26 academic year, with 38 student-athletes earning a 4.0 GPA, while UCM Athletics has had over 1,000 MIAA Academic Honor Roll honorees during his tenure.
Student-Athlete Welfare & NIL Innovation
Howdeshell has prioritized holistically supporting 550+ Mules and Jennies:
- NIL Leadership: Launched The Central Stable Collective, created Division II's first fee-free marketplace via Opendorse, established custom apparel opportunities through INFLUXER, and initiated Fighting Mules bourbon and vodka lines to create sustainable revenue toward UCM’s NIL efforts.
- Mental Health & Recovery: Empowered the hiring of a dedicated mental health professional for student-athletes, while securing funding to construct and stock the athletic department’s first fueling station, providing daily nutritional support.
Facility Infrastructure & Capital Projects
Howdeshell has overseen more than
$21 million in modern capital projects designed to elevate the student-athlete experience and fan environment:
- Completed Upgrades ($6.9M+): Construction of the Harbert Collegiate Golf Center, UCM's first-ever dedicated student-athlete fueling station, Terry Noland Football Office renovations, Jennies Softball stadium turf installation, and major audio/visual upgrades in the Jerry M. Hughes Athletics Center and Walton Stadium.
- Ongoing Developments ($14.1M+): Active projects including the Diamond Sports Development Facility, Jennies Soccer turf, new basketball court flooring, and locker room modernizations for Mules wrestling and Jennies volleyball.
Revenue Generation & Commercial Growth
Under Howdeshell’s direction, UCM Athletics has experienced unprecedented financial expansion:
- Major Gifts & Annual Giving: Partnered with the UCM Alumni Foundation to secure over $8.5 million in major gift cash gifts and pledges. Rebranded the department's annual giving arm to the Cardinal & Black Fund, resulting in a 187 percent increase in membership, a 97 percent growth in annual fund revenue, and quadrupled giving at the top tier.
- Corporate Partnerships & Ticketing: Integrated Taymar Sales U to maximize sponsorship and ticketing operations, leading to record-breaking corporate revenue growth of 74 percent and a 23 percent increase in ticket revenue. Negotiated a five-year apparel extension with BSN/Nike, establishing the most lucrative apparel contract in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA).
Community Engagement & National Governance
Deeply rooted in the local community, UCM’s programs have logged over 5,000 hours of community service annually and earned the State of Missouri Main Street "Community Partner of the Year Award". Nationally, Howdeshell represents the MIAA on the
NACDA Division II Athletic Directors Association Board of Directors and serves on key MIAA committees and task forces.
Prior Career & Education
Before joining UCM, Howdeshell spent over 12 years in various senior athletic leadership positions at
Northern Arizona University (NAU), managing a $25M operating budget, leading $60M in capital projects, and generating $3.1M+ annually by passing NAU's first athletic student fee.
- Education: Doctorate in Educational Leadership (with distinction) and master’s degree from Northern Arizona University; bachelor’s degree in history education from Missouri State University.
- Personal: Native of Cuba, Missouri, Howdeshell and his wife, Hiliary, have four sons: Peter, Benjamin, Max, and George.
