Starting fall 2024, Brad Teague will become the director of the Aviation Academy, and Matt Whiting will replace Teague as the new Athletic Director.
”I have been a pilot for 20 years. I have been interested in helping UCA start an aviation program for many years. It was a natural fit,” Teague said.
”I have been the AD [Athletic Director] for 17 years here and four more at another institution. It was time for me and for UCA to have new leadership.”
“We want to be a workforce provider for Arkansas and the industry. With the extreme pilot shortage, we have a great opportunity,” Teague said.
As Whiting plans to take on the new role as the Athletic Director, Teague sends his best wishes and wants him to succeed.
“Matt has been with our department for eight years. He is the ideal person to lead this department into the future. He will excel,” Teague said.
Whiting said he is thankful to those at UCA who have supported him.
“It has been a goal of mine to become an athletics director, so when afforded the chance to discuss the position, I wanted to be sure to express my appreciation for the opportunity, desire for the position, and a vision for the future of Central Arkansas Athletics,” Whiting said.
“I owe a deep level of gratitude to Dr. [Houston] Davis for his belief and trust in me to serve in this leadership role and continue our positive momentum,” Whiting said.
Whiting said he is ready for all the challenges that come with the new position.
“We are extremely blessed to have a great team of people throughout the department, and overall, a great situation,” Whiting said.
“That’s a testament to Dr. Teague and his 17 years leading the department. I’m excited and very grateful for the opportunity to take on this challenge, as college athletics is in a unique time right now.
“There will be challenges, but I believe we are well-positioned for future success here. My goal is to be a good steward of the current situation, a good campus partner, and work to continue to build on the rich history of success in athletics here at UCA,” Whiting said.
Whiting said Teague has been his role model in the many years he has been at UCA and wishes him the best of luck in his position as director of the Aviation Academy.
”I’m very excited for Dr. Teague. He’s a great friend and mentor of mine,” Whiting said. “I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for him personally and professionally, as he’s a great pilot and passionate about aviation as a whole.
“More importantly, he’s a great leader and has a tremendous work ethic. I’m excited to see the program excel under his leadership and believe it is going to be a great success for the university,” Whiting said.