Vision: The Latest from A.D. Eddie Nuñez
Three months ago, I joined the Lobo family and we immediately began a process of evaluation and review with the goal of making UNM athletics elite, on and off the field of play. In those same three months, I also began the personal process of joining the community here in Albuquerque and I can say without hesitation that I am ecstatic about being a part of its great history and tradition.
For UNM Athletics, there is enormous opportunity as well as a lot of work to be done. I want to take a moment to update the Lobo family on our progress.
First, we are defining what it means to be successful as a department and it begins with the student-athlete experience and how we prepare them for a life of achievement. Everything we will do will be centered on supporting our student-athletes and creating a great experience for everyone. Like many of you, I consider the education and the graduation of our student-athletes to be a top priority. Every one of our student-athletes at UNM can expect our complete support in their pursuit of a great education. While I think the 2017 graduation success rate (GSR) of 80% reflects that goal, you can expect that we will continue to raise the bar. That level of commitment begins with me, and will be a driving force throughout the entire program.
Second, I am evaluating the athletic department’s business processes and procedures. The UNM Board of Regents asked that I make my own assessment of current practices and programs with an eye toward elevating our standards. Recently, I welcomed a review by the Office of the State Auditor (OSA) of New Mexico. Their report could not have come at a better time for me, for the department or for the University. I intend to combine their findings with my own assessment. My goal is to build an exemplary university program that’s competitive, innovative and one that follows proven organizational models.
With that in mind, I’m pleased to welcome Robert Robinson as our new Chief Financial Officer. UNM Athletics needs a strong CFO and we’re excited to bring him on board. As we continue to work on the internal restructuring of the Lobo Club, we have designated Jalen Dominguez as its interim Executive Director effective December 5th. Jalen has done a great job helping grow our Lobo Club and will help manage the staff as we closely examine the current job duties and structure before launching a full search.
Third, I will always recognize and celebrate our competitive successes. Congratulations to Coach Franklin and the women’s cross country team who earned their second national championship in three years. I’d especially like to recognize Ednah Kurgat for her record-breaking run for the individual title, finishing off an undefeated season. We can all be proud of their triumphs.
This fall we also had tremendous accomplishments with our men’s and women’s soccer teams. We’re looking forward to more excitement from them next year. On the basketball court, Coach Mike Bradbury and our women’s team have gotten off to a hot start at 7-0, taking the Thanksgiving Tournament Championship this weekend. On our men’s side, the team is back in action at Dreamstyle Arena on Wednesday night versus Evansville. Coach Paul Weir, Coach Bradbury and our Lobos feed off your support and I want to thank our fans for coming out to the games and encouraging our student-athletes as they represent our institution so proudly.
And although we had all hoped for more successes on the football field this fall, I am excited for next season and our UNM football program remains one that is in the midst of a revival and we look forward on working towards more wins in 2018.
I want to thank our student athletes, coaches and staff at UNM Athletics, as well as many people across the UNM campus and in the community, for their work and support as we transition and grow. I have not worked with a more dedicated group of people driven to make the experience for our student-athletes, fans and alumni the best it can possibly be. I believe in the university mission, but more importantly, I believe in the people and partners who make it possible: our alumni and supporters, the Lobo Club, the UNM Foundation, the UNM Alumni Association and, especially, our students.
Lastly, I hope everyone had a terrific Thanksgiving and wish everyone a Happy Holiday season. I want to thank the entire UNM and Albuquerque community for welcoming my family so warmly. I already feel at home and I look forward to meeting all of you in the coming months. You can expect to hear from me often.
Go Lobos!
Eddie
LOBOS! Today is #LobosGiveDay! Join us in making an impact on the lives of @UNMLOBOS student-athletes today! Links to donation pages below:
Lobo Scholarship Fund: https://t.co/RPHHXF4EWA
Sport Enhancement Funds: https://t.co/4majXbj6bK
Thank you for your continued support! pic.twitter.com/rSiGWKvdrU
— Lobo Club (@lobo_club) November 28, 2017