Bringing a broad array of educational and business experience from around the world, Matthew J. 
Wilson took the helm as the University’s president on July 1, 2019.
Wilson arrived from the University of Akron, where he had served as president for two years and dean of its law school. Previously, he had taught and served as law program director and senior associate dean at Temple University’s Tokyo campus.
A self-described educator, businessman and attorney, he has lived in Japan, South Korea and Saipan, and in several states in the U.S.
Wilson said he applied for the president’s position at Missouri Western for a number of reasons, but especially because the University is open access as well as the state’s designated applied learning institution.
He also believes his undergraduate experience is a lot like many Missouri Western students’. As the oldest of six children, Wilson, a Utah native, says his parents encouraged him to pursue a college degree, but they told him he would have to pay for it himself. So he earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Utah on his own, often working two jobs to help fund his education. He was also a nontraditional student. By the time he graduated from college, he was 24 years old, married to Noriko (“She is awesome and talented in so many ways”) and had a child.
Missouri Western’s new president has a lot of ideas for innovative academic programs to make the 
University stand out.
As president, he says he will also continually look for ways to make education affordable and accessible for students. When he was serving as president at the University of Akron, he started a guaranteed scholarship initiative, where student scholarships were renewable with automatic upgrades each year. “It was a win-win for students and it helped with student retention.”
Another program that he started at Akron that he would like to explore for Missouri Western is Five Star Fridays, where courses are held Monday-Thursday, and Fridays are open for internships, working, volunteering, researching with faculty or job searching and interviews.
“It really worked well. It allowed the students time to engage in the community and the workplace. Many students told me how much they liked it.”
Wilson also plans to spend a lot of time speaking to high school students in the region and to community groups, and he would love to see Missouri Western become even more involved in the community than it already is. He wants the community involved in mentorships, scholarships and prospective student recruitment.
His experience in international studies means that expanding Missouri Western’s international programs and reach is important to him. He plans to use his connections overseas to create new opportunities for students and faculty to engage globally and to have the University become more visible worldwide.
Of all his accomplishments throughout his career, Wilson says he is most proud of his relationship with students as president at the University of Akron. He often received invitations to join students in activities such as basketball shooting contests, sand volleyball tournaments and lip sync competitions, and he could often be seen across campus assisting with residence hall move-in, dining hall special events and more. “They knew I was accessible and I cared,” he said.
“As we move forward, we’re going to do some wonderful things. It’s my mission to help the world discover the magic that we have at Missouri Western.”
In Matt Wilson’s own words
What did you enjoy the most about your presidency at Akron?
“The interaction with students. I really enjoyed the opportunity to positively impact students, to inspire them and empower them so they could succeed.”
What is the most important quality a president must have?
“The ability to find ways to support others (students, employees, alumni, community members and legislators) so they know they are appreciated, and the ability to find ways to work collaboratively with them.”
What do you want people to be saying about you on your one-year presidential anniversary?
“I hope when people look at the University then, they see excitement, hope and engagement, and my tireless commitment to student success. I hope they will be excited, too.”
What do you like to do in your (rare) spare time?
“I love anything that involves a ball, whether it is participating or watching, and spending time with my family.”
What do you want to say to alumni as you begin your presidency?
“I am a big believer in transparency and accessibility. I welcome your ideas, thoughts and comments. My door is always open.”
Things to know about Matt Wilson
Fluent in speaking, reading and writing Japanese
Father of four children and four grandchildren
Met his wife, Noriko, in college. They were engaged a month later and married within five months of meeting.
Member of the Florida Bar Association
Last two books he read: “Mediation in Asia” and “Who Judges? Designing Jury Systems in Japan, East Asia and Europe”
Favorite movie: “It depends on the day. I love all the Marvel movies and sports movies.”
Was once on a three-hour prime time game show in Japan
Education
Juris Doctor, 1999
Temple University Beasley School of Law, Philadelphia
B.S in Political Science, 1995
B.A. in Asian Studies with Japanese minor, 1995
University of Utah, Salt Lake City
Accomplishments as president at the University of Akron
$70 Million Two-year Budgetary Turnaround
In 2016-17, the University of Akron faced a projected $30 million operating deficit and an 8% drop in overall enrollment. Wilson led collective efforts that resulted in the elimination of the deficit and addition of $12 million to the reserves.
Major Gifts
During Wilson’s presidency, the University of Akron received the largest single gift in university history – a $23 million estate gift.
Making a Difference Moving Forward Scholarship Campaign
A new campaign resulted in a 50% increase in overall scholarship giving with over $20 million raised for endowed and non-endowed scholarships.
Akron Internationalization
Wilson led the establishment of an International Center to focus on recruitment of international students and the formation of cross-border relationships with universities around the world. The university focused global outreach efforts on Asia and entered into new agreements with institutions in Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan and Vietnam.
Esports Varsity Team and Club Program
Wilson spearheaded the conception and development of a new program designed to tap into online competitive video gaming.