USC Upstate Selects Matthew Martin As Next Director of Athletics
SPARTANBURG, SC – The University of South Carolina Upstate has named Matthew Martin its new vice chancellor and director of intercollegiate athletics. Martin, who was chosen after a nationwide search, has served as senior associate athletic director for external operations at the University of Idaho since 2020. He will be responsible for directing and overseeing the programming, planning, and budgeting of intercollegiate athletics, fundraising in support of athletic activities, and for representing the athletic program consistent with university purposes on campus and in the larger community. Martin succeeds Daniel Feig, who has served as athletic director since 2018. He will assume his new role by September 1.
CSA is honored to have assisted USC Upstate Chancellor Bennie L. Harris, Ph.D., and the Search Committee on this foundational Spartans search.
“I am thrilled to welcome Matthew Martin to the USC Upstate family,” said Chancellor Harris. “With his wealth of experience and proven track record in collegiate athletics, we are confident Matthew will bring a new level of expertise and passion to our athletic programs.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Daniel Feig,” Harris added. “Since joining us in 2018, Daniel has been a driving force behind the improvement in our university’s athletics. Our student-athletes have achieved outstanding results both on and off the field, including posting a department-wide grade point average of 3.25 in the fall of 2022. During the semester, 186 student-athletes achieved a 3.00 GPA with 31 of those earning a perfect 4.00 GPA. I am so proud of this achievement. We wish Daniel and his beautiful family all the best as they move on to the next chapter. Go Spartans!”
At USC Upstate, Martin will focus on providing student-athletes with the best possible experience during their time at the university to prepare them to lead successful and fulfilling lives after college. He will provide a vision for student-athletes, coaches and staff that aligns with campus leadership and lays out strategic goals and initiatives. Martin will also focus on acquiring resources that will enable USC Upstate student-athletes and coaches to compete for championships.
“I am truly honored to become part of the USC Upstate community as the new vice chancellor and director of intercollegiate athletics,” Martin said. “USC Upstate has a rich history of academic and athletic excellence, and I cannot wait to contribute to its continued growth and success.
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to Chancellor Harris and the search committee for entrusting me with this incredible opportunity,” he added. “Together, with the support of the entire USC Upstate community, we will build upon this strong foundation and propel our athletic programs to greater heights. I look forward to working alongside our talented coaches, dedicated staff, and outstanding student-athletes as we strive for excellence in both academics and athletics.”
Martin earned two Bachelor of Arts degrees in communication studies and business administration, with a major in finance and minor in economics, from Eastern Washington University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. Martin also holds a Master of Science degree from EWU.
He served as external revenue coordinator at EWU from 2011-2013 and manager of business development for Learfield Sports from 2013-2015. From 2015-2016, Martin was assistant athletic director for the University of South Dakota Foundation. He served as associate athletic director for external operations at Winthrop University from 2016-2019, and vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics at Concordia University from 2019-2020.
Martin enjoys spending time with his family and exploring the outdoors. He and his wife, Nikki Martin, have two daughters, Chandler, 3, and Camden, 1.
For the full release from USC Upstate Athletics, click HERE.
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