VP Howdeshell’s Contract Extended at UCM
Quentin Weed
UCM Student and Townsquare Intern
The contract of Dr. Matt Howdeshell, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, has been extended by the University of Central Missouri five more years to 2030.
Dr. Howdeshell, who came to UCM in 2023, is a Missouri native who got his start at Northern Arizona University, where he got his master’s and doctorate, at which he took on a variety of important responsibilities. Now, alongside his role as Intercollegiate Athletics Vice President at UCM, he also serves on multiple MIAA committees and is on the Board of Directors for the NACDA Division II Athletics Directors Association.
UCM President Dr. Roger Best stated that “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.” He added that he “appreciate[s] Dr. Howdell’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…”
Dr. Howdeshell has overseen a multitude of achievements and improvements since arriving at UCM. He has improved the care offered to student athletes by enacting the Central Stable Collective, overseeing the creation of UCM’s fueling station and nutrition program, and hired a dedicated mental health professional for athletes. He has also overseen the creation of facility improvements like The Harbert Collegiate Golf Center, Terry Noland Football Offices, Jennies Softball Stadium turf installation, Walton Stadium lighting upgrades and suite renovations, and the rededication of the Multipurpose Building to the Jerry M. Hughes Athletics Center, actions that have totaled over $4 million.
In addition, he has upgraded the experience for fans, improving concessions, entertainment, and alcohol sales, which have seen large increases in ticket sales and fan attendance, and has prioritized the community by overseeing the logging of over 5,000 community service hours.
All these improvements have had important impacts for the revenue generation of the program. The fundraising program has been rebranded as the Cardinal & Black Fund, which has seen an 187 percent increase in membership and a 97 percent rise in annual funding. He has also implemented an apparel contract extension with BSN/Nike which is now the most lucrative apparel contract in the MIAA.
About his contract extension, Dr. Howdeshell stated that he is “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!”
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