PORTALES, N.M. – Eastern New Mexico University Director of Athletics Matt Billings has announced his resignation at the end of his contract. Billings has served as Director of Athletics since January 2020.

“Eastern was fortunate to have Matt Billings‘ leadership during this pandemic,” ENMU President Patrice Caldwell said. “We wish him the best as he pursues new opportunities.”

Under Billings’ watch, Greyhound student-athletes continued to excel in the classroom and on the field. The 2019–20 women’s basketball team, coached by Josh Prock, earned a Lone Star Conference Tournament berth and was scheduled to play in the NCAA Tournament before it was canceled due to pandemic concerns in 2020. The Greyhound baseball, softball and track & field programs also successfully completed their 2021 spring seasons, with the majority of their games and meets being on the road due to New Mexico’s health regulations prohibiting athletic competition in the state during the majority of the spring.

Billing’s coaching hires are finding success in recruiting both New Mexico talent as well as talent from across the country to help continue the rich tradition of excellence in Greyhound Athletics. Men’s basketball head coach Brent Owen has continued to build on the program’s successes as he looks forward to starting his campaign this fall after the 2020–21 season was canceled. The newest member of the Greyhound coaching staff, head football coach Tye Hiatt brings a wealth of experience and success to the Greyhound Football program as he starts his first season this fall. Head women’s soccer coach Abbey Barnum came to Eastern from The University of Southern Mississippi in March 2020 to continue the success of the women’s soccer program and interim head softball coach Duste Grawrock lead the team through a successful spring season.

Billings plans to return to the Northwest to be closer to his family.

“I appreciate the opportunity to work with the student-athletes, coaches and staff at Eastern,” Billings said.

“The future of ENMU Athletics is strong and getting stronger,” Caldwell said. “We look forward to fall competitions, an open campus, and strong community support for our student-athletes.”

A national search for the next director of athletics will begin immediately.