Matt Clifford’s lengthy tenure at Wake Forest has prepared him to create a “front porch” for the student experience – where students are welcomed without condition. With an extensive background in residence life, crisis management, campus facilities, care and student conduct, Matt knows how to make students feel like they belong and know that they matter. Wherever students are in community, that’s where you can find Matt.
In his role as associate vice president for Campus Life and dean of students, Matt oversees the Office of the Dean of Students, Residence Life and Housing, Campus Recreation, Orientation, New Student and Transition Programs, and the Office of the Chaplain. Over the past 15 years, he has served in a number of roles at Wake Forest, including director of residence life, associate dean of students, assistant vice president and dean of Residence Life and Housing, and associate vice president and interim dean of students.
Matt is active in the profession, having held national leadership positions with NASPA: Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education and Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society. He has also served as president of the Southern Association for College Student Affairs since November 2024.