Matt Land has served as assistant vice president for athletics at Trine University since January of 2015 and as athletic director since 2012.

During that time, Land has presided over Thunder athletics in a period of rapid growth to Trine and the department. In 2017 alone, Land oversaw the opening of two athletic buildings, the MTI Center and Thunder Ice Arena, and the addition of nine new athletic teams. He currently presides over 32 athletic teams and 1,000 student-athletes.

During his tenure, he has overseen the hosting of multiple NCAA Division III postseason events including the 2012 NCAA Women’s Golf National Championship, two NCAA Softball Super Regionals, four NCAA Softball Regionals and two NCAA Football Championship Tournament games. In addition, he has hosted Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) championship events for the sports of women’s basketball, men’s golf, baseball, softball, men’s soccer, men’s lacrosse and indoor track and field.

Land also currently serves on the NCAA exploratory committee for esports.

Before being named an assistant vice president, Land held the position of Trine University Head Football Coach from 2006-14. During that time, Land and his staff turned the Thunder program into a consistent contender in the MIAA, winning three championships and averaging over seven wins a season. Land finished with a 63-32 record as head coach, good for a .663 winning percentage, both of which are school records.

Land coached 34 players to first-team All-MIAA accolades, including four Offensive and three Defensive Most Valuable Players. Quarterback Eric Watt became the most decorated player in Trine football history by winning the Gagliardi Trophy, the Division III equivalent of the Heisman Trophy during the 2010 season. That season, Land was also named AFCA Division III Region Four Co-Coach of the Year sharing the honor with perennial national power Mount Union College’s head coach. He was also named D3Football.com’s North Region Coach of the Year.

Land earned his master’s degree in education from Walden University and graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelor of Science degree. He lives in Fremont, Ind. with his wife Julie and two children, Emily and Jake.