Matthew Williams, DSM was named Faculty Athletic Representative at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise in the summer of 2018. Williams replaces Tom Costa, Ph.D., who stepped down earlier this summer after more than 15 years of service in the position.
“We are very appreciative of Tom Costa as he has served the students and UVa-Wise in a variety of roles during his career,” mentioned Director of Athletics Kendall Rainey. “He has been a vital part of the growth of the College as well as athletics during his tenure as FAR. We cannot thank him enough for his dedication and commitment.”
An associate professor in the sport management department, Williams has been at UVa-Wise since 2014 where he has taught classes in sport ethics, sport finance, governance in sport, sport in society, event and facility management, exercise physiology and more during his tenure.
Prior to arriving at the College, Williams served as Assistant Director of Athletics at Kansas Wesleyan before later serving as the institution’s Director of Athletics. In that role, Williams supervised all 16 athletic programs, while overseeing personnel decisions and athletic budgets.
Williams graduated from Boise State University in with a bachelor’s degree in physical education before later adding a master’s degree in athletic administration from Idaho State University. He went on to add a master’s degree in business administration from Kansas Wesleyan before obtaining his doctorate of sport management from the United States Sports Academy where he specialized in sport marketing.
“Matt Williams has been a great addition to the College in the sport management department and we look forward to working with him as the in-coming FAR,” Rainey stated about the new FAR. “He too is a strong advocate for students, which is a critical for the FAR position.”
