ARKADELPHIA, Ark.  -  Henderson State Athletics has announced that Matt Ward will be its eighth Director of Golf in program history.

A golfing veteran with more than two decades of experience in the industry, Ward is entering his tenth season as a head coach at the college level. He started his coaching career as an assistant for the men's and women's program at Jamestown College in Jamestown, North Dakota. From there, he joined the women's golf staff at Minnesota State, where he helped the Mavericks punch their ticket to the DII NCAA Central Regional Championship in 2010.

In 2014, Ward received his first head coaching nod when he took over as the men's head golf coach at Colorado Mesa University. After four seasons at CMU, he claimed the reins of the men's and women's golf programs at Texas A&M-Commerce in 2018. In his lone year at Commerce, Ward led the women's team to an NCAA Regional appearance. He also recruited and coached Lone Star Conference Player of the Year Sarah Wongsinth.

"After multiple conversations with Matt, it was very clear that he is dedicated to helping student-athletes reach their maximum potential," Director of Athletics Seth Dutton said. "His recruiting skills are top notch and will serve our storied program well as it pursues a national title. I am excited to see how Coach Ward elevates our student-athletes and the Reddie golf tradition in the years to come."

Following the 2018-19 season, Ward established a new golf program at San Diego Christian College and served as its first head coach. After two years with the Hawks, Ward helped restart the men's and women's golf teams at New Haven in West Haven, Connecticut. The Chargers thrived under his leadership, with the women's squad claiming a Northeast-10 Conference title in just their second season upon returning to competition.

"The energy Matt Ward has for coaching and recruiting is contagious!" said Chancellor Dr. Trey Berry. "We cannot wait to watch him grow the Reddie Golf program in new and innovative ways.  Henderson has such a strong and storied history in golf. Coach Ward will build upon those traditions and create his own."

After serving as a member of the United States Air Force, Ward earned his Bachelor of Science in Recreation, Park and Leisure Studies from the University of Minnesota in 1998. Additionally, he holds a Master of Liberal Studies from the University of Minnesota (2005) as well as a Master of Science in Sport Management from Minnesota State University-Mankato (2016).

"I couldn't be more thrilled to be the Head Golf Coach at Henderson State!" Ward said. "These two programs are both very accomplished and have great traditions. The facilities here are second to none in DII. That coupled with the academics, location, and administration make this a great place to win! It's now my job to get these programs to make the final touchups to win a National Championship. I want to thank Seth Dutton and Chancellor Berry for the opportunity to work at such a special place. Let's go Reddies!"