Matthew Earnhardt serves as Dean of the School of Business at Howard Payne University. With more than 20 years of teaching experience, Earnhardt brings a broad background in business, leadership, organizational effectiveness, and higher education to his role. He joined HPU in June 2026 and is committed to helping students prepare for meaningful careers through practical learning, strong professional development, and a Christ-centered approach to business education.
Earnhardt currently teaches Entrepreneurship, Business Strategy, and Business Ethics. He enjoys each course because they give students opportunities to think creatively, work through real-world decisions, and connect classroom concepts to situations they may encounter in their future careers. If choosing a favorite, he would select Entrepreneurship because students are able to develop ideas, evaluate opportunities, and see how business concepts can grow into something tangible.
One of the aspects Earnhardt enjoys most about teaching at HPU is working directly with students. He especially values the moments when a student suddenly understands how a new concept or skill can apply to a future career. Those “aha” moments are rewarding for students and equally energizing for him as an educator. He believes that effective teaching should not only provide knowledge but also help students build confidence in their ability to make sound decisions and apply what they learn.
As dean, Earnhardt also values the opportunity to invest in student success beyond the classroom. He enjoys connecting with alumni, employers, community leaders, and partners across the university to create meaningful opportunities for students. His goal is to strengthen relationships that can support internships, professional development, career preparation, and long-term success after graduation.
Earnhardt is passionate about business education because of its practical value. He believes students can use the skills they develop in business courses throughout their personal and professional lives. His teaching focuses on helping students build confidence, judgment, critical thinking, and professional skills so they are prepared for fulfilling careers in which they can serve God, serve others, and make a positive difference within their organizations and communities.
Earnhardt holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership, a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Science in Aeronautics, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. His academic background gives him a multidisciplinary perspective on leadership, human behavior, strategy, and organizational performance.
In addition to teaching and academic leadership, Earnhardt has authored more than 20 publications in areas including critical thinking, aviation management, complexity leadership, and project management. He has also presented at professional and academic conferences on leadership, organizational effectiveness, and related topics.
Outside of work, Earnhardt enjoys traveling, reading, riding bikes, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends. He has visited most of the United States and has only four states remaining to see. As a new resident of the area, he is also currently looking for a local church home.
Earnhardt’s office is located in Newman 202. Through his teaching, leadership, scholarship, and commitment to student success, he seeks to help HPU students grow into capable, ethical, and service-minded business professionals.
