Matthew Martin was chosen after an extensive nationwide search to serve as USC Upstate’s new vice chancellor and director of intercollegiate athletics. He assumed his role on August 14, 2023.
Martin joined USC Upstate from the University of Idaho, where he was the senior associate athletic director for external operations since 2020. His role encompasses directing and overseeing the programming, planning, and budgeting of intercollegiate athletics. Additionally, Matthew focuses on fundraising in support of athletic activities and represents the athletic program consistently with the university’s values on campus and within the larger community.
During his time at the University of Idaho, Matthew oversaw the athletic department’s marketing, ticket sales and operations, communications and digital strategy, multimedia rights, broadcast production, and trademark licensing. He also supervised women’s soccer, men’s tennis, and women’s tennis programs. Notably, Martin played a pivotal role in securing a 10-year, $5 million naming rights partnership for the Kibbie Dome, the home of Vandal football and women’s soccer programs. The partnership also supports financial success programs for student-athletes.
Matthew’s leadership extended to facility upgrades, including renovations to the Lauren McCluskey Track and the creation of competition tennis courts. Under his guidance, ticketing revenue substantially increased, driven by higher attendance at football, soccer, and basketball games, and the implementation of innovative season ticketing plans.
Before his tenure at the University of Idaho, Matthew served as vice president/director of intercollegiate athletics at Concordia University – Portland, where he oversaw successful academic and athletic achievements. He also spent time at Winthrop University as associate athletic director for external operations. During his time at Winthrop, Matthew significantly boosted major gift fundraising, corporate sponsorships, and athletic development, and facilitated a comprehensive major giving plan and strategic initiatives.
Martin’s career also includes a role at the University of South Dakota, where he excelled in soliciting major gifts for new facilities and other athletic initiatives. His broad experience also encompasses positions with Learfield Sports and Eastern Washington University, his alma mater, where he was a student-athlete and leader in the football program.
Martin holds a Bachelor of Arts in business administration with a finance major and economics minor, a Bachelor of Arts in communication studies, and a Master of Science in physical education, health and recreation with an emphasis in sport administration, all from Eastern Washington University. He resides in Spartanburg with his wife, Nikki, and their two daughters, Chandler and Camden.