Matt Jones was hired as Samford's Senior Associate Director of Athletics for External Affairs, Director of Athletics
on Dec, 16, 2019. Jones officially began his role with the department on Jan. 6, 2020.
"I'm excited that Matt will join our athletics family in this very important role," Newton said. "He brings a wealth of experience and has a proven track record as a leader that builds excellent relationships on campus and in the community. Matt will provide much needed consistency and vision that will benefit our 17 sports, student-athletes and campus community."
Jones, who has nearly 20 years of athletics administration experience, oversees Samford's marketing, communications, broadcasting, ticketing and multimedia rights.
"I am honored and grateful to President Westmoreland and
Martin Newton for the invitation to join the Samford University family," Jones said. "Over my many visits to campus, I have learned that Samford is a special place that offers a unique opportunity to learn and work in a culture committed to excellence. I am looking forward to working alongside an exceptional group of administrators, coaches, and staff as we collaboratively grow the brand and tell the Samford Athletics story."
Jones has served on the staff at his alma mater, Delta State University since 2001 in a number of roles, most recently as the Senior Associate Director of Athletics since August 2011. In his most recent role, Jones provided strategic planning and vision for all external relations.
As the lead revenue generator for the department, Jones increased annual sales by 1,700 percent in his time at DSU. He was also heavily involved in capital campaigns for several of DSU's athletic facilities, and he negotiated three apparel contracts for the department.
He also oversaw the day-to-day operations of the Office of Athletic Communications and The Statesmen Sports Broadcasting Network. He implemented new strategies for media relations that produced a dramatic increase in web traffic and media opportunities throughout Mississippi and the region.
Prior to his most recent position, Jones served as Assistant Director of Athletics for External Affairs (2007-2011) and Director of Athletic Communications (2004-2007) in athletics. He also served as an adjunct instructor in sociology at DSU since August 2007. Jones came to Delta State in 2001 as the Coordinator of Athletic Marketing.
Before returning to DSU, Jones was the sports director for Clear Channel Broadcasting/Grant Radio Group in Northport, Ala., from August 1990 to June 1999. The stations he served included WZBQ, WTXT, WACT, WRTR and WSPZ.
Jones is a 2003 graduate of Delta State University with a degree in sociology and history. He then went on to earn his Master's of Education degree in sociology from DSU in 2007.
He is married to the former Emily Erwin of Greenville, Miss., the Archivist for Delta State University and the curator of the Dave "Boo" Ferriss Museum.
