03 Apr 2024 UCA names new Director of Athletics

CONWAY — The University of Central Arkansas Division of Athletics will soon have new leadership as longtime Director of Athletics Dr. Brad Teague has accepted the role as director of the new UCA Aviation Academy and will transition out of athletics.

Matt Whiting, currently UCA’s associate athletic director for External Relations, has been named to replace Teague as Director of Athletics, effective July 1, 2024.

Teague has led the UCA athletics program since 2007 and guided the department through its highly successful transition from NCAA Division II to NCAA Division I, which began in 2006. The program has expanded to feature 19 sports (11 women’s, 8 men’s), won numerous championships, dramatically improved its facilities and fundraising efforts and heightened its academic strength across all sports.

“My 17 years as the athletic director at UCA have been the privilege of a lifetime,” said Teague, who came to UCA from his alma mater Delta State University. “I didn’t expect to fall in love with a campus and city, but it was certainly the case for my wife Gina and me.

“Our family is fortunate to have grown up in and around this great university. I could not have asked for a better place to grow personally and professionally and am very excited I will continue to be a part of this outstanding community.”

Teague, who has served as acting director since the program’s inception, will now be the first full-time director of the UCA Aviation Academy, which was announced in November with the first class opening in March. Teague will also remain as an instructor in the master’s program in sports administration. Teague will still be involved in the athletics program as the Senior Advisor to the Athletics Director as well.

“A special thank you to our great staff and coaches for being the inspiration for success in athletics here at UCA,” said Teague. “I also want to thank our president, Dr. Houston Davis and the Board of Trustees for their faith in me to deliver success in this exciting new aviation program at our university. “

Teague, a Jackson, Mississippi, native, has been a licensed pilot for 20 years with a commercial license and multi-engine and instrument ratings. He is a former member of the Airport Advisory Committee for the Conway Municipal Airport at Cantrell Field. He received his bachelor’s degree in mathematics and master’s of education in administration from Delta State University and his Doctor of Philosophy in leadership from the University of Mississippi.

Teague has contributed heavily to the community of Conway during his 17 years, serving on the Conway Airport Commission, Conway Chamber of Commerce board, and on the Board of Directors for Conway Corporation, Conway’s public utility company. Teague has had three of his four children attend UCA, with one son still in high school.

“Dr. Teague has been central to the vision and development of the newly launched UCA Aviation Academy,” said UCA President Houston Davis. “We will benefit from his focus on this growing new program that is so important to Conway and the state, but also appreciate that he will continue to be an asset to the Exercise and Sport Science department through his teaching and will stay connected to athletics in a senior advisory capacity during a tumultuous time in collegiate athletics.  

“We are very fortunate to have a leader of his caliber and capabilities on our team.”

Whiting, a native of Monticello, Arkansas, holds an undergraduate degree in marketing from the University of Arkansas at Monticello and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

“Matt Whiting is an excellent choice for the role of athletic director,” said Teague. “His experience and professionalism are perfect for the seamless transition. I know Matt will excel and thrive in this new leadership role and I look forward to seeing him take this program to new heights. He is the perfect fit.”

Whiting has been at UCA since June of 2016, serving as assistant athletic director for development and in his current role, which oversees fundraising, donor relations, marketing, creative services and corporate partnerships.

“I am honored and extremely appreciative of the opportunity to become the Director of Athletics at UCA,” said Whiting. “I owe a deep level of gratitude to Dr. Houston Davis for his trust in me to take on this leadership role.

“Dr. Brad Teague is a great friend and mentor to me, and the positive impact he has had on this athletics department is immeasurable. He is a man of integrity, high character and tremendous work ethic. I am thankful for the lessons he has taught me over the last eight years and appreciate his belief in me to take on this position.”

Matt and his wife Johannah, who teaches in the Conway Public School system, live in Conway with their son Camden and daughter Chandler.

“Central Arkansas and the Conway community are special because of the people,” said Whiting. “Johannah and I feel blessed to call this place home and raise our two children here. We are excited to take on this role and work with our great staff, coaches and student-athletes to enhance the mission of UCA and build on the storied tradition and athletic success at Central Arkansas.”

“Matt is a well-respected leader in college athletics and is stepping into leadership during a time when vision, integrity, and authenticity are needed to navigate the changing landscape nationally,” said Davis. “Those characteristics are prime reasons that I look forward to working with him, our coaches and our athletics administrators to shape UCA’s role within the Atlantic Sun Conference and United Athletic Conference. 

“I have confidence that he will continue to build upon the traditions of excellence in our sports programs and the outstanding performance that our student-athletes have in the classroom.”