Matthew Ashcraft is the Dean of Institutional Analysis and Planning at Mesa Community College, where he leads research, planning, and implementation of strategic initiatives. He works closely with faculty on learning-outcomes assessment and provides executive leadership for the college’s accreditation activities. Prior to MCC, Matt held positions at the University of Phoenix and Glendale Community College.

Under Matt’s leadership, MCC’s accrediting agency, the Higher Learning Commission, selected MCC to help create a new model for the accreditation process, and MCC successfully completed a 10-year re-accreditation and gained approval to offer programs and degrees online. Matt played an integral role in the renewal of MCC's Vision, Mission, and Values and is leading the development and implementation of predictive analytics to improve student success.

Matt’s work at Glendale Community College earned GCC the Maricopa Community College’s Innovation of the Year Award in 2006 and 2007. In 2014 he received the John and Suanne Roueche Excellence Award from the League for Innovation in the Community College, an international, nonprofit organization.

Matt is an MCC alumnus and holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s in counseling. He is an endurance athlete who has completed numerous cycling races such as the internationally renowned Tour de Tucson and Tour de Mesa; two marathons; two half marathons; two Rim-to-Rim endurance hikes of the Grand Canyon; endurance treks with ascents of Mt. San Jacinto and Mt. Williamson; a Ragnar Relay; a biathlon; and a sprint triathlon.