As John Brown University's first-ever multi-sport All-American, Matt Pearson was also able to capture the Golden Eagles' first-ever individual national championship in 1983. Then, did it twice during the 1984-85 season.

A native of Siloam Springs, Ark. Pearson entered his collegiate career having held the two-mile record in the state of Arkansas. From 1981-85, Pearson racked up four NCCAA All-America honors and one NAIA All-America accolade. His trophy-collecting began his sophomore season with a 25:17 time and a second-place finish at the NCCAA National Cross Country Championships. The next season, he posted the exact same time at the national meet, but this time captured the individual title, the first in John Brown University athletics history, setting up an even more impressive senior season.

The 1984 cross country season began with a third-consecutive top podium spot at the NCCAA National Championships, crossing the finish line at 25:29, successfully defending his medalist status in the 8,000-meter race. The following week, Pearson notched a 25:23 mark at the NAIA National Championships, finishing 22nd, and claiming his first-career NAIA All-America honors.

Later that year during track season, Pearson capped off an incredible collegiate career with a 15:00 flat time in the 5,000-meter at the NCCAA National Track and Field Championships in Marion, Ind. to capture a third individual national title. He finished the season with a 10th-place finish in the 5,000-meter at the NAIA National Track and Field Championships.

For his five All-America awards and three individual national titles in four years, Pearson was named the JBU Male Athlete of the Year twice during his career.