Matt Freeman Named Executive Director of Relations for The Albion Center

Freeman holds a J.D. degree from the University of Idaho and a Bachelor of Arts from Whitworth University, and brings deep expertise in policy, financial management, strategy, and leadership in postsecondary education. Freeman worked nearly 15 years with the Office of the Idaho State Board of Education, where he served as Executive Director for nine years and Deputy Director/Chief Financial Officer for five and a half years.

“I am thrilled to join the ISU campus community,” said Freeman. “I look forward to working with the Albion Center team, collaborating with campus leaders I already know, and building new relationships across the University. My goal is to strengthen and expand the Albion Center’s partnerships with schools, districts, and external organizations—both in Idaho and nationwide—to enhance the Center’s professional development and outreach initiatives.”

An Idaho native, Freeman is a strong advocate for advancing educational initiatives statewide. His career highlights include overseeing the 2023 Idaho State University presidential search, which resulted in the appointment of President Robert W. Wagner, and guiding the Office of the State Board of Education to national recognition. Under his leadership, the Board received the Exceptional Agency Award in 2018 from the State Higher Education Executive Officers (SHEEO) and the Frank Newman Award for State Innovation in 2019 from the Education Commission of the States. Both awards praised Idaho’s dedication to aiding in increasing the number of students who pursue postsecondary education.

Currently, Freeman is serving his third term as an Idaho Governor-appointed commissioner on the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education. He is also a Senior Policy Fellow with the State Higher Education Executive Officers, where he is developing policy recommendations to restore public confidence in higher education by prioritizing value and return on investment.  

In his new role at ISU, Freeman will continue to build relationships with K-12 educational institutions nationwide and assist with strategic initiatives that align with the Albion Center’s vision and mission. As of February 2025, over 80,000 educators across the nation utilize the Albion Center’s graduate-level, non-degree courses that help them learn new skills, renew their teaching certification, and obtain teacher salary advancement. 

“Matt’s extensive experience will be invaluable as we continue to grow the Albion Center’s impact nationwide,” said Managing Director, Gabriel Rodriguez. “We are thrilled to have him assist with expanding and strengthening relationships in K-12 schools and districts, ensuring that teachers receive the professional development support they want and need in a highly critical and evolving profession."