MOSCOW, Idaho – University of Idaho Athletics has announced the hiring of Matt Martin, who will join the Vandals as Associate Athletic Director for Special Projects. Martin will work in conjunction with Idaho Athletics and University of Idaho Advancement.
 
"Matt brings some very pertinent experience to Idaho after serving in similar roles at both Winthrop and South Dakota," said Director of Athletics, Terry Gawlik. "His experience in opening USD's new arena in 2016 makes him especially suited for this role, and his ties to the area make him a perfect fit."
 
Martin's primary responsibilities will lie with the new Idaho Central Credit Union (ICCU) Arena, set to open in the fall of 2021. A university priority, ICCU Arena has drawn strong support from University of Idaho President C. Scott Green, and approval from the Idaho State Board of Education. Martin will oversee the completion of funding for the $51 million project and play an integral role in transitioning Idaho Athletics to the new space.
 
"I'm thrilled to be coming back to the Palouse," said Martin. "I'm incredibly thankful for Mary Kay McFadden (vice president of Advancement) and Terry Gawlik for giving me this opportunity and I look forward to hitting the ground running. I grew up going to games in the Kibbie Dome, and I'm excited to help create those types of memories for my family and the next generation in the ICCU Arena."
 
Originally from LaCrosse, Wash., Martin spent three years as the Associate Athletic Director for External Operations at Winthrop University from 2016-2019. There, Martin helped increase fundraising, corporate sponsorships, licensing and ticket sales to record highs and helped lead the development of the department's seven-year strategic plan, "The Drive to 25." Martin also oversaw several sport programs, including volleyball, softball and golf.
 
Prior to Winthrop, Martin was an Assistant Athletic Director for Major Gifts at the University of South Dakota. While in Vermillion, Martin helped complete the fundraising for the $74 million Sanford Coyote Sports Complex, the First Trust & Bank Soccer Complex and the Lillibridge Track & Field Complex, which all opened in August 2016.
 
Martin most recently served as director of intercollegiate athletics at Concordia University in Portland, where he oversaw the department and its 15 intercollegiate programs, during the 2019-2020 academic year.
 
Martin will be making his second stint in Moscow, after spending nearly a year working with Idaho Vandals Sports Properties on the U of I campus in 2015. He spent two total years working for Learfield Sports, now Learfield/IMG College, Idaho Athletics' corporate sponsorship partner.
 
His passion for college athletics goes back to his time as a student-athlete at Eastern Washington University. A team captain for the Eagles' 2010 Football Championship Subdivision National Championship, Martin spent five years in Cheney as a student-athlete. Following his playing days, he got his professional career started in the Athletics Department from 2011-2013.
 
Martin and his wife, Nikki, are expecting their first child, a girl, in July.
 
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