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Matthew Hayes has been named Vice President for Athletics at LaGrange College. He comes to LaGrange after nearly 23 years of service at Limestone University in Gaffney, South Carolina, where he most recently served as deputy athletic director.

“Matt’s experience, energy and passion for the student-athlete and for small private higher education will be transformative for Panther Athletics,” said LaGrange College President Susanna Baxter in making the announcement. “Throughout the interview process and conversations with his co-workers, his work ethic and dedication to mission was evident.”

In addition to overseeing the day-to-day activities of Limestone’s 23 sports, Hayes’ experience includes supervising NCAA regional tournaments and directing multimillion-dollar facility projects. He began his long career at the institution as an assistant baseball coach and moved successively through the athletics structure.

In accepting the post, Hayes thanked the college’s leadership and community for the honor. “I’m excited to lead this athletic department with the vision and values of LaGrange College,” he said. “We will work tirelessly toward academic and athletic success and will do so with a positive mindset. Creating positive student-athlete experiences will be paramount in the growth of the department.

“I look forward to being a part of the LaGrange community and helping LaGrange College relentlessly pursue excellence in everything we do.”

Before being named Limestone’s deputy athletic director, Hayes served as associate athletic director from 2018 to 2024. In that role, he oversaw the athletic department’s operating budget, outside contracts and compliance efforts.

Prior to that time, he worked from May 2014 as the associate athletic director of internal operations, where he supervised a $4.1 million facility upgrade, served as the department liaison with admissions and financial aid, and directed all home athletic events, including conference championships and NCAA regional tournaments.

He also served Limestone as associate head coach in baseball and was the head coach of the Forest City (North Carolina) Owls, a Coastal Plain League team. Hayes earned a bachelor’s in sports management with a minor in business from Mars Hill (North Carolina) University, and he holds memberships in the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics and the College Athletic Business Management Association.

He was chosen after an extensive national search that was assisted by Dr. Kurt Patberg of Mammoth Sports Consulting.