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Hawkey to lead Wartburg's new master's programs in health, human performance

Waverly, IA (04/03/2025) — Matthew Hawkey, an educator with a background in data analytics and human performance, has been named the new program director for health and human performance graduate studies at Wartburg College.

Hawkey comes to Wartburg with experience as a faculty member, data and sport scientist, director of performance and analysis, and coach. Most recently, he served as a clinical sport science and analytics professor at Seattle University, where he also oversaw the development of a master's program.

"I've seen the industry from a lot of different lenses, from being a collegiate athlete to working at the collegiate and professional levels, coaching on the sidelines, working as a strength coach and sport scientist, while concurrently being heavily immersed in the data and analytics over the last 15 years," Hawkey said. "I'm excited to take the lessons I've learned and apply them to something new. In the U.S., there are a growing number of practitioners in this area, but there still aren't many of us. I'm excited to have a role in helping the next generation."

In addition to his work as an educator, Hawkey has also served in data science roles in the National Women's Soccer League, the Women's Tennis Association, Major League Soccer, and technology providers, among others. He earned a doctorate in sport performance and data analytics from Victoria University in Melbourne, Australia.

"Dr. Hawkey brings a unique combination of experiences to Wartburg, and I am confident these experiences, along with his enthusiasm to develop industry leaders in this field, will allow him to create dynamic and relevant learning experiences for students in Wartburg's programs," said Michael Gleason, associate dean for graduate studies.

At Wartburg, Hawkey will oversee the implementation of the college's two new graduate programs - a Master of Science in sport science and data analytics and a Master of Science in high performance. Both programs will begin in fall 2025.

The 33-hour master's in sport science and data analytics will teach students the skills necessary to analyze data and turn it into actionable insights that will optimize performance. The 36-hour master's in high performance combines elite coaching and cutting-edge technology with the goal of attaching the highest standard of achievement in athletic competition. Each two-year program includes dynamic online coursework and an in-person practicum that can be completed on campus at Wartburg or at other locations nationwide with a contracted partner.

Both programs have been approved by the Higher Learning Commission, the college's accrediting body.

"I think this educational model that takes students, whether on campus or those already in the industry and learning online, and gives them all applied experience paired with enhancing required skills through the classroom knowledge is going to be fun for both the students and the faculty as we go forward," Hawkey said. "There is excitement in this fast-growing field, the job opportunities are growing, and I look forward to helping students find their way into the industry."

To learn more about these programs, visit www.wartburg.edu/hhp-masters or to schedule a conversation with Hawkey email gradstudies@wartburg.edu.

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