Hall of Fame
Dr. Mathew (Matt) Hill has been a staple of consistency at University of Northwestern (UNW) over the last 24 years. Hill’s integrity in Christ and desire to serve has led him to impact the hearts of thousands of young men and women in their student-athlete experience at Northwestern, as well as many other young leaders across the NCCAA.
After graduating from UNW with a bachelor’s degree in marketing in 1989 as a four-sport athlete, Hill immediately went on to continue his education at Drake University where he received his master’s in teaching. Seven years later, Hill would begin his tenure as Director of Athletics back at Northwestern.
Throughout his time, Hill has seen multiple promotions including a role as Vice President for Student Life in 2009 as well as a promotion to the executive leadership team at Northwestern. Hill’s servant heart has led him to participate in multiple leadership roles outside of UNW over the years. Serving for several terms, including a three-year stint as NCCAA President, Hill currently serves on the Administration Committee of the NCCAA Board of Directors. Hill has been instrumental in providing Northwestern student-athletes mission trip opportunities, sending 347 student-athletes and coaches from 11 different teams on mission experiences, many of which have utilized the NCCAA Sports Ministry Fund.
Hill has been an active advocate in Title IX and facility expansion projects. Hill helped generate facility expansion across Northwestern’s campus, overseeing an $11 million capital improvement project to enhance all Eagle outdoor facilities. This project not only helped UNW be a leader within the NCCAA but has helped them become a force within NCAA Division III.
“Matt is mission minded,” said University of Northwestern President Dr. Corbin Hoornbeek. “He has lived out our institutional mission without fail for more than two decades. His commitment and ongoing pursuit of making disciples of all nations is evident in all he does.”
This mission has led Northwestern athletics to 70+ NCCAA National Championship appearances during Hill’s tenure, where student-athletes have had the experience to compete while focusing on #KingChasing. UNW has also won many NCCAA awards and titles under Hill’s leadership, including 16 Game Plan 4 LIFE Character Awards, over 750 Scholar-Athletes, and four National Championships.
Chad Briscoe, Director of Athletics at Grace College, stated, “Hill’s sincere Christian commitment to always working with excellence is a tremendous asset to the University of Northwestern, the UMAC, NCAA, and NCCAA. He has a tremendous passion for higher education and is dedicated to assisting both his coaches and students through his position at UNW.”
“Hill exemplifies what it means to be a servant leader,” added Northwestern Head Women’s Basketball Coach Aaron Kahl. “Whether climbing to the top of a scoreboard to change a bulb or chairing a national committee, Hill is willing and capable to answer the call. When faced with obstacles, Hill doesn’t focus on what can’t be done, he often says: ‘what can we do.’”
As a result of Hill’s leadership, UNW has seen longevity among their coaching staff, with nearly every active head coach being the all-time winningest coach in their respective sport. He has also helped Northwestern achieve a stable enrollment during turbulent times across the country in higher education.
“Hill is the model for effective service, always being the first one there and the last one to leave,” said Northwestern Head Men’s Basketball Coach Tim Grosz. “He encourages transparency, humbly puts others’ needs before his own, and deals with conflict in a Godly way. Matt Hill is a special person, a wonderful friend, colleague, and boss.”
The NCCAA is honored to induct Dr. Matt Hill into the Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2024.