Portales, N.M– Eastern New Mexico University today announced that Matt Billings has been appointed the school’s Director of Athletics. Billings, who most recently served as the Deputy Athletics Director at Portland State University will officially start on January 20, 2020.
Dr. Jeff Elwell, chancellor of ENMU, said, “I am delighted that Matt Billings has agreed to become our new athletic director. He brings significant experience in multiple areas at major Division One Universities and is the right person from among a strong group of finalists to lead the Greyhound athletic program. I look forward to his arrival in January and to work with him to bring our athletic programs to the next level.”
“I am truly humbled beyond belief to come to serve Eastern New Mexico University Athletics,” said Billings. “I want to thank Chancellor Elwell, Vice President Long and the search committee. When I came in to interview, I very quickly came to believe I can come in and make a difference. I can’t wait to get started.”
With nearly 20 years in collegiate athletics, Billing’s overall experience demonstrates a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of all sports and the associated support that is necessary to sustain a high-level collegiate athletic program. At Portland State, he had oversite of the compliance office, academic services, financial aid, student housing, student conduct, business office and budgets, human resources, strength and conditioning, sports medicine, facilities and operations and football scheduling.
Billings possesses the proven ability to lead an athletics department and has proven this by directing high-value projects in his current position. He played a key role in a 50 million dollar renovation of a new weight room, new sports medicine and academic areas and a 3,300-seat basketball/volleyball arena at Portland State. He also oversaw football-scheduling helping to schedule guarantee games for the Portland State football team generating more than 6.6 million dollars in revenue for the program
Billings held a number of positions within colligate athletics prior to his eight years at Portland State. He served as Director of Compliance at the University of Southern California from 2008-2010. From 2004-2008, Billings was the Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance at Boise State University. Prior to his time at Boise State, he was the Director of Compliance at Weber State University from 2000-2004.
Billings holds bachelor’s degrees from Utah State University in Political Science, and Idaho State University in Economics, he holds a master’s degree from Idaho State University in Athletic Administration.
About Eastern New Mexico University: For 85 years ENMU has prepared students for careers and advanced study. Our mission is to emphasize liberal learning, freedom of inquiry, cultural diversity and whole student life. ENMU serves students of traditional-age, adult learners and organizations through undergraduate and graduate programs. Our University is where tradition meets affordable tuition and flexibility meets fulfillment. For more, visit www.enmu.edu
About Eastern New Mexico University Athletics: The University is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and offers 14 intercollegiate sports at the Division II level (seven men’s sports: baseball, basketball, cross country, football, soccer, indoor/outdoor track and field; and seven women’s sports: basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, indoor/outdoor track and field, volleyball). On a regional basis, the University competes in the Lone Star Conference (LSC). In addition, the University offers men’s and women’s rodeo teams, which compete in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA).
