By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Topekan Matt Hutchinson, a former multi-sport standout at Hayden, has been named associate athletic director/director of development at Washburn University.
Matt Hutchinson
Washburn director of athletics Loren Ferré and president of Washburn alumni association and foundation Marshall Meek announced the hiring of Hutchinson, who will be moving from his previous position of assistant athletics director for external relations, a position he held at WU since 2018.
"I'm incredibly excited for this new role within athletics and to join the Washburn alumni association and foundation team," Hutchinson said in a Washburn release. "I'm thankful to Marshall Meek and Loren Ferré for the opportunity. I was fortunate to grow up around Washburn and I've considered it home for a long time. This is a unique opportunity to work with an administration, coaches, and supporters that I've admired."
In his first year at Washburn, Hutchinson helped the marketing department garner three national awards designated by NACMA, including Best Intro Video (2018 Football), Best Fan Engagement Video (2018-19 Hype Video), and Best Community Engagement and Public Relations Program (Bods Care). Hutchinson was also designated as a national Mike Cleary Award winner in January of 2019.
"I'm excited for Matt as he moves into his new role," Ferré said. "He has done a great job for us in the marketing position and we're thrilled he is going to stay involved with Washburn athletics."
In addition to his role with Washburn, Hutchinson currently consults with the NAIA national office in Kansas City, Mo. His "Teaming Up For Character'' program, which works with the Kansas City community and the NAIA Men's Division I Championship, was named the 2017-18 NAIA National Program of the Year. He was a Development Intern at the NAIA National Office in 2015-16.
Prior to his appointment at Washburn, Hutchinson served in a dual role at Rockhurst University as both the assistant to the athletic director for development and assistant men's basketball coach from 2015-18. He played basketball for the Hawks from 2012-15.
Hutchinson is involved in the Topeka community, including service on the board of the Active 20/30 Club of Topeka, Shawnee County Crime Stoppers, and the Hayden High School advancement team.
