Mat Despard

Mat Despard is an Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNC Greensboro) in the Department of Social Work. He also serves as Faculty Director with the Social Policy Institute at Washington University in St. Louis. His research focuses on the financial inclusion and security of low- and moderate-income households, examining mechanisms such as financial wellness programs, behavioral economics interventions, and health-wealth linkages.

Despard's work includes the Workforce Financial Stability Initiative, which explores employee financial wellness programs like fintech platforms, remote counseling services, and employer-sponsored loans. He collaborates with partners such as Intuit Corporation, Centene Corporation, and J.P. Morgan Chase & Company. His recent publications span journals like the Journal of Consumer Affairs and Behavioral Science and Policy, alongside book chapters on financial inclusion and social innovation.

Prior to his current roles, Despard taught Financial Management for Nonprofit Organizations at Kenan-Flagler Business School (2011–2015) and worked extensively with local nonprofit organizations. He holds an MSW and PhD from UNC-Chapel Hill, as well as a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech.