UNM Announces Fernando Lovo as New Vice President and Director of Athletics
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — University of New Mexico President Garnett S. Stokes announced the appointment of Fernando Lovo as the next Vice President and Director of Athletics.
Lovo will begin at UNM on December 1, 2024, from the University of Texas at Austin, where he serves as an Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director for Operations.
Lovo, 36, brings a wealth of experience in collegiate athletics administration, having most recently served as Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director for Operations at the University of Texas at Austin.
Lovo’s hiring follows a comprehensive national search, and he succeeds Eddie Nuñez, who left in August to take the same role at the University of Houston.
Lovo’s appointment is a significant move for UNM as it looks to elevate its athletic programs and navigate the evolving landscape of collegiate sports.
His career has included notable roles at the University of Texas, Ohio State University, the University of Houston, and the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars, where he honed his skills in operations, revenue generation, fundraising, and student-athlete development.
Lovo’s leadership style and commitment to fostering environments that support athletic excellence and academic integrity made him an ideal choice to lead UNM Athletics.
University President Garnett S. Stokes expressed excitement about Lovo’s appointment, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Fernando Lovo to the University of New Mexico.
His extensive experience and dynamic leadership style make him an exceptional choice for this pivotal role.
His commitment to ensuring our student-athletes thrive academically and athletically is truly inspiring, and I look forward to the positive changes he will bring to our athletic programs.”
Lovo himself expressed enthusiasm for his new role. “I am truly honored and humbled to be selected to lead UNM Athletics and build upon its rich tradition,” Lovo said.
“This opportunity means a great deal to me, and I am excited to work alongside the talented student-athletes, coaches, and staff at UNM to achieve new levels of success, both on and off the field.”
Lovo’s arrival at UNM comes at a critical time for the school’s athletic department, which is seeking to enhance program competitiveness, build stronger financial stability, and improve the performance of its football team.
The Lobos are currently in the midst of a promising football season under first-year head coach Bronco Mendenhall, who has exceeded expectations with the team.
A recent victory over No. 19 Washington State has put UNM on the brink of its first bowl game appearance since 2016.
Lovo is optimistic about the future of the football program and sees potential for success in Albuquerque.
“The first thing you look for is the right leader, and I can unequivocally say we have that with Coach Mendenhall,” Lovo said.
“He’s a proven winner and someone who can create a vision and deliver on it. Clearly, this season has shown that he is capable of doing that.”
Lovo also stressed the importance of Lobo basketball, a cornerstone of New Mexico’s athletic culture, and reaffirmed his commitment to the sport’s continued success.
Lovo’s professional journey is marked by a deep commitment to student-athlete welfare and a focus on building sustainable, high-performance athletic environments.
At Texas, he oversaw major capital projects and operational improvements. His background in football operations, including working with coaches like Urban Meyer at Ohio State and Jacksonville and Tom Herman at Houston, positions him well to guide UNM through the challenges of modern college athletics.
Chris Del Conte, the Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics at Texas, praised Lovo’s leadership, calling him a “great leader, innovator, and human being.” Del Conte, a New Mexico native, believes Lovo’s experience and integrity make him a perfect fit for UNM. “I see a bright future for the Lobos under his guidance,” he said.
Lovo’s academic background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Florida and a Master’s in Sport and Fitness Administration from the same institution.
He has earned a reputation for excellence in both administration and student-athlete engagement, and his leadership will be crucial as UNM Athletics faces challenges, including conference realignment and rising financial demands.
As Lovo prepares to transition to Albuquerque, he expressed his excitement about becoming part of the Lobo community. “The passion and love for Lobo basketball are second to none, and I’m eager to work with everyone to ensure we continue to build a successful athletic program across all sports,” he said.
Lovo’s family, including his wife Jordan and their two young children, will join him in Albuquerque after his tenure at Texas concludes.
The Lovo family is excited to begin this new chapter in New Mexico, and Lovo is eager to engage with the local community and make an impact both on and off the field.
Lovo’s five-year contract, which includes an option for a two-year extension, is expected to provide a strong foundation for the future of UNM Athletics.
His base salary is set at $400,000, with an additional $100,000 available for media obligations and promoting the program.
As UNM Athletics looks to its future, Lovo’s leadership will be key to driving success, fostering a culture of excellence, and ensuring that the department’s goals align with the university’s broader mission.