Dr. Matthew Smitley is an Assistant Professor and core faculty member in the University of Kentucky's Professional Master of Athletic Training Program, a role he began in the Summer of 2024. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with an emphasis in exercise science, graduating magna cum laude in 2012 from California Baptist University, where he also attended on a scholarship to sing in the University's Male Chorale. Dr. Smitley furthered his education at CBU, earning a Master of Science in Athletic Training in 2014.

Dr. Smitley completed a Doctor of Athletic Training degree from the University of Idaho in 2019, where he also served as a teaching assistant in the MSAT program from 2017 to 2019. During this time, he was also a clinician and preceptor in the Integrated Sports Medicine and Rehabilitative Therapy Clinic, roles he held until 2024. Dr. Smitley’s professional career as an athletic trainer began with Mission Health's Sports Medicine program in Asheville, North Carolina in 2014 where he provided full time care to North Buncombe High School and served on several departmental committees with the hospital.

In the Fall of 2019, Dr. Smitley joined the U of I MSAT program as a core faculty member and quickly transitioned into the role of MSAT program director in January 2020. He later became the Director of Athletic Training Education in the Summer of 2023.

Dr. Smitley has also been an active leader in the athletic training profession, serving as the Chair of the District 10 Career Advancement Committee (CAC) and the D10 representative on the National Athletic Trainers’ Association's CAC. His leadership was further recognized when he was appointed as Chair of the NATA's CAC by the NATA President, with his service beginning in the Summer of 2025.

Matt’s research interests are centered on novel manual therapies, the professional recruitment and retention of athletic trainers, and advancing research literacy for athletic trainers. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, watching college football, and singing.