CHARLESTON, S.C. – Matt Roberts was introduced as the new College of Charleston Director of Athletics in a press conference held on Monday afternoon at Randolph Hall.
 
Roberts is currently the Deputy Director of Athletics at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, and will officially start his post on Jan. 1, 2017.
 
As athletics director, Roberts will direct the day-to-day operations of The College's athletics department including the operational planning, resource allocation, budget development and financial management of the department.
 
"We will embrace and foster greatness in all that we do," Roberts said on the three points that has shaped his vision for the College of Charleston Athletics' program. "The second-most important thing that we do is – we will constantly focus on our student-athletes. Third, we will get out into the community and we will engage the Charleston community and the communities abroad."
 
At SMU, Roberts helped administer the day-to-day operations of the entire athletics department and served as the administrative liaison for the football and men's basketball programs. He also assisted in the development of a departmental strategic plan, community engagement and customer service initiatives, and in the coordination of SMU post-season travel.
 
Prior to SMU, Roberts serve as the Associate Athletics Director for Development at the University of Oklahoma, where he was responsible for the overall administration and leadership of the athletics development office, including oversight of the Sooner Club, major gift and endowment programs. At OU, he also led a variety of marketing efforts as well as served as the sports administrator for the men's and women's tennis programs.
 
A 1997 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Roberts earned his bachelor's degree in exercise and sports sciences. He later attended Ohio University and completed his master's degree in sports administration in 1999.
 
A former student-athlete, Roberts was a walk-on pitcher for UNC and finished his collegiate career as an undergraduate assistant coach, working with the Tar Heels' pitching staff. Afterwards, he was a member of UNC's athletics department, working in the ticket office and later coordinating the marketing for men's and women's soccer, women's basketball and men's and women's lacrosse.
 
Originally from Wake Forest, N.C., Roberts is married to Amanda Horvath Roberts, and they have a two-year-old son, Carter.
 

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WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT MATT ROBERTS

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SMU President Dr. R. Gerald Turner
"Matt has served SMU well during his time here. We congratulate his taking this next step in his career, and wish the best for him and his family in Charleston."
 
SMU Director of Athletics Rick Hart
"Matt (Roberts) and I first worked together at UNC nearly 20 years ago. He is a trusted colleague and friend. Matt is a skilled administrator with strong values and interpersonal skills. He is ready to lead College of Charleston Athletics. Matt, Amanda and Carter will be great additions to the Charleston community – they will be missed on the Hilltop."
 
Oklahoma Director of Athletics Joe Castiglione
"The College of Charleston hired one of the true rising stars in Matt Roberts. I couldn't be more excited for him, his wife Amanda, and their son Carter. I'm confident when the Cougar Family gets to know him, they'll feel the same way. Matt made many excellent contributions to the success of our Intercollegiate Athletics Program here at Oklahoma. Through his years in administration, he's been very intentional in thoroughly preparing for this special opportunity. He will create a terrific environment for students participating in athletics and represent the terrific values of the college."
 
University of Richmond Director of Athletics Keith Gill
"Matt Roberts is such a great choice to be the next Director of Athletics at College of Charleston. He is bright, immensely talented and his presence makes everybody better. Matt will work tirelessly to create an incredible experience for students and advance the institution's mission. He will do a terrific job and will prove to be a tremendous addition to the College of Charleston community."
 
Former UNC Director of Athletics Dick Baddour
"I know the College of Charleston and Matt Roberts very well. This is an absolutely perfect fit for College of Charleston and for Matt and his family. He is a true professional with a warm heart and caring manner. It won't take long at all for him to earn the respect and support of the administration, faculty, students, coaches, staff and supporters. This is a tremendous hire."
 
American Athletic Conference Commissioner Mike Aresco
"Congratulations to Matt Roberts on this wonderful opportunity. The College of Charleston is fortunate to have someone with Matt's experience and talent leading its department. He was a valued and trusted member of Rick Hart's senior staff and was a great friend to all of us here at the American Athletic Conference. We enjoyed working with him and will miss seeing him on our trips to SMU. I know that he will be a great advocate for the student-athletes and coaches at College of Charleston. We thank Matt for his many contributions and send our best wishes to him and his family as they begin a new and exciting chapter."
 
ACC Senior Associate Commissioner/Men's Basketball Paul Brazeau
"Matt is bright, dedicated, hardworking, loyal and, most essentially, a morally-sound individual. He understands commitment from coaches, athletes and students and he understands the significance of developing, then nurturing appropriate lines of communication with the various constituencies he will serve. Matt has a keen sense as to the value of outreach to others and how to be part of a community. His warm and sincere personality, coupled with enthusiasm and a constantly positive outlook, will be a major resource for College of Charleston."
 
SEC Associate Commissioner/Men's Basketball Dan Leibovitz
"Matt Roberts is an astute hire as Director of Athletics at College of Charleston. His core values, intellect and deep understanding of success in the intercollegiate athletics landscape will serve him well in this role. Student-athletes, coaches, and the campus and greater Charleston communities will quickly recognize that College of Charleston Athletics has attracted a leader who has developed a vision for excellence and truly 'gets it.' Congratulations to Matt, his family and College of Charleston."