Whether it be in the Student Life Office, on the volleyball court or in his home, Kolby Matishuma is known for his strong character and welcoming presence. Matishuma has the gifts of hospitality, kindness and acceptance.
Matishuma was raised in Kaneohe, a town on the east side of Oahu, Hawaii where he lived with his parents and younger sister, Kaitlyn.
Matishuma had no plans of leaving the Island until one day in February of 2018.
His sister came home and told their family that she had been offered the chance to pursue a collegiate bowling career at Missouri Baptist University.
“My sister surprised us and showed us the acceptance letters,” said Matishuma.
After touring, Kaitlyn fell in love with the school, and the Matishumas knew it was time to leave Hawaii and move to St. Louis as a family.
There was a five month turn around between Kaitlyn’s tour and the family making their move to Missouri.
Though he left the islands that exemplify the Aloha spirit, Matishuma has become a pillar of warmth and welcome in the Midwest.
Soon after making the move to St. Louis and struggling to find work, Matishuma decided he needed to finish his bachelor’s degree.
At 22, Matishuma felt he needed to finish his schooling quickly, or else he was going to be the “old guy in class.”
He chose Missouri Baptist because his advisor told him that he would be able to finish in about two years.
“There we go. Bet, sign me up. Get in, get out,” said Matishuma.
Little did Matishuma know that he would end up wanting to do the opposite of “getting in and getting out.”
Matishuma graduated with a degree in psychology in 2021, but his time at MBU was far from over.
“Not knowing God’s plan, it’s just incredible how He opens doors,” said Matishuma.
During his final semester, Matishuma went on a mission trip with Taira Schertz, assistant dean of student engagement and director of residence life, and her team.
At the beginning of the trip, Matishuma hardly knew any of them, but by the end, close relationships had been formed.
“During this time, we really got to know each other. I saw his love for people and his servant heart,” Schertz said.
Following the trip, Schertz encouraged Matishuma to apply for a new graduate assistant position that would serve both Resident Life and Student Life.
Matishuma got the job and thoroughly enjoyed his role that year, planning intentional events with students and growing in relationship with his coworkers.
By the end of that year, he had turned 26 and aged out of his parents’ insurance.
Matishuma would have to find a full-time job with benefits.
“And again, another door. God just continually using Taira in my life,” said Matishuma.
The school was creating a full-time Student Life position.
In the summer of 2022, Matishuma applied, interviewed, got the job and has served as assistant director of student life ever since.
He has no immediate plans of leaving either.
Matishuma excels at planning a variety of student events, from fun and high energy, like Up All Night, chill game nights for First Thursdays in the Perk, to educational celebrations like Multicultural Mondays.
Lillie Cuddeback, a senior Student Life worker, appreciates that each event is curated with the same thoughtfulness and intentionality that Matishuma exudes in all areas of his life.
“Part of Student Life is getting people involved on campus no matter who they are. It can be challenging at times, but Kolby always tries to make everyone feel included and important. He cares so deeply about making student connections. He prioritizes reaching people who may be getting overlooked in different social settings. Overall Kolby truly cares about his job and each student,” said Cuddeback.
Emilee Messer, Spartan Village resident director, has had the pleasure of working with Matishuma for over three years.
Messer and Cuddeback share their appreciation for Matishuma’s inviting character.
“I think Kolby sees people in a way that’s different from just your typical surface level glance at people. He can go really deep with people and have a deep conversation with almost anyone. He can relate to people in a way that is so unique and he genuinely will give his heart and soul for the good of other people. He loves very sacrificially,” said Messer.
In addition to the influence he has on campus through Student Life, Matishuma is an integral part of the men’s volleyball team.
Despite being cut from both his elementary and middle school volleyball teams, Matishuma had a long and bright future ahead with the sport.
While he was a student at MBU, Matishuma joined the team as a walk-on.
He has since coached the MBU junior varsity team for two years, the Francis Howell Central High School girls for two years and is now back at MBU as an assistant varsity coach.
Being back with his MBU guys this season has been a full-circle moment, as he began coaching most of the seniors during their freshman year.
Although Matishuma would be too humble to admit it himself, his players would be quick to say what a vital role their coach has played in not only their athletic growth but personal growth as well.
Kory Kretzer, a senior on the men’s volleyball team has been encouraged by Matishuma’s character.
“I see Kolby help students every day and live the Christian life, do what he’s supposed to do every single day so that leads as an example for all of us- not just the volleyball team, but students in general,” said Kretzer.
Matishuma has had a profound influence in Kretzer’s life.
“As a coach, as a mentor, as a brother- he’s been everything that I could have ever asked for,” said Kretzer.
Matishuma thinks of many people who are not related to him by blood as his family, his brothers.
“Everyone is family to him. If you know Kolby and take the time to get to know him, it’s not just like you’re a friend or you’re a student- it feels like you’re a part of his family. I think it’s just also part of his culture where he just welcomes people in. His family welcomes people in, and they’re incredible hosts and love having people over and so I think that just bleeds over into his whole life- where it’s like everyone’s family, everyone’s invited, everyone’s welcome,” said Messer.
While living in the campus apartments during his senior year at MBU, Matishuma hosted many impromptu dinners and game nights to bring people together.
On one occasion, when he had extended an open invitation to all of his friends, Matishuma cooked local dishes from Hawaii and other Asian fusion dishes.
Friends from Colombia, Argentina and Brazil, from the Association of Black Collegiates to various sports teams, all gathered in his apartment to enjoy his authentic cooking.
“Food just has this crazy way of bringing people together,” said Matishuma.
Hawaiian barbecue, specifically barbecue chicken, is Matishuma’s go-to meal to share.
Matishuma’s Hawaiian culture and faith in God have been a guidepost in his life.
“When I think of Hawaii culture, it’s a culture where everybody buys in and adopts one another. And so it’s really built on family and the inner workings of aloha. You think of the Aloha spirit, and it’s a real thing. It’s this all-encompassing love and respect and unity between the people there,” said Matishuma.
This hospitable nature of love, respect and unity that Matishuma describes to be integral to Hawaiian culture is one that he embodies in his everyday life in Missouri.
“I think I’d want to be remembered as someone that other people would be able to confidently say, ‘Oh, he saw me for who I was and didn’t judge me. He was okay with the fact that I was a college kid figuring it out. He was okay that I carried this or that with me, and he still invited me in. He still took the time to get to know me. He still provided a space for me to feel safe, feel seen, feel heard,’” said Matishuma
Everyone who knows Matishuma will see his kind, gracious and welcoming spirit, built on a foundation of faith in Christ, love for family and a living expression of the Aloha spirit.
