2019 NACDA and Affiliates Annual Convention

Matt Finley
Deputy AD
Anderson University


Matthew Finley is the Deputy Athletics Director at Anderson University, appointed in September 2022, after serving as Senior Associate Director since July 2016. Finley has led key initiatives, including the implementation of ARMS Software to enhance departmental efficiency and compliance. He completed the NAAC Division II Education program and represents Anderson University at NCAA and NAAC Conventions. As a NAAC ACE mentor, he shapes future compliance professionals. He served on the NAAC Convention Committee (2017-2021) and has been a member of the NAAC Division II Committee since 2022. As Deputy Administrator for Title IX, Finley ensures compliance for student-athletes and staff and has served on the NCAA Division II Committee for Legislative Relief. As SAAC Advisor, Finley led the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee to become the top fundraising program in the South Atlantic Conference, hosting Make-A-Wish reveals and growth programs. He oversees track and field, cross country, tennis, and volleyball, and has expanded sports programs, including men’s and women’s lacrosse and football. He contributed to campus facilities expansion for 515 student-athletes. Before Anderson, Finley was the Athletic Director at Newberry College, where he was the youngest AD in NCAA history. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Clemson University and a master’s degree from Duquesne University. He is pursuing a Ph.D. in Leadership with a focus on business at Anderson University. Finley’s favorite hobby is on the mats in the winter as an NCAA Division I College Wrestling Official with the Southern Conference. He lives in the Upstate with his wife, Jennifer, and their children, Charlotte and Briggs, where the family is actively engaged in community ministries through their local church. Finley also volunteers as a youth sports coach and participates in various community service activities.

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