UNMatched Excellence: The Lobo Standard Strategic Plan
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — University of New Mexico Vice President & Director of Athletics Eddie Nuñez announced the release of UNMatched Excellence: The Lobo Standard Strategic Plan. The plan reveals the priorities, mission, vision and values of UNM Athletics and will serve as a guidepost for the department in the years ahead.
“With the landscape of college athletics continuing to evolve and change, it was imperative that we map out a clear path ahead of us,” said Nuñez. “UNMatched Excellence: The Lobo Standard Strategic Plan will allow us to capitalize on the momentum of our department to best serve our student-athletes. The core tenants of the plan will guide our decision-making and afford us the flexibility necessary to continually grow and adapt to a quickly changing collegiate landscape.
UNMatched Excellence: The Lobo Standard Strategic Plan intentionally aligns with UNM2040: Opportunity Defined, the comprehensive University strategic plan released in 2022. UNM Athletics remains committed to playing a key role within the University, Albuquerque and the state of New Mexico, and fostering meaningful relationships with our community is a key priority.”
The strategic planning process was spearheaded by a 19-person Strategic Planning Committee co-chaired by Ryan Berryman, Senior Associate Athletic Director/Chief Operating Officer and Casey MacDonald, Associate Athletic Director, Major Gifts. Along with the co-chairs, the committee was comprised of UNM student-athletes, coaches, Department of Athletics staff, campus administrators, alumni and community members. The Committee was charged with ensuring an inclusive and representative process and ultimately, UNMatched Excellence: The Lobo Standard reflects the feedback of more than 2,200 individuals including student-athletes, students, coaches, staff, faculty, letterwinners, alums, donors, season-ticket holders and community members.
The strategic priorities focus on competitive excellence, student-athlete development, campus integration and involvement, diversity, equity and inclusion, external engagement and financial stability. The plan defines UNM Athletics’ core values as Integrity, Accountability, Excellence, Leadership, Resilience and Respect. It is within these values that will guide the daily decision-making and make sure it is in alignment.
UNMatched Excellence: The Lobo Standard also defines the mission for the department: UNM Athletics maintains a standard of excellence academically, competitively, and socially within our community, with an unwavering commitment to our student-athletes who we empower to reach their fullest potential.
“I am grateful to Ryan and Casey, as well as to the members of the Strategic Planning Committee, the President’s Cabinet and the UNM Board of Regents for sharing their time, perspectives and feedback,” said Nuñez. “UNMatched Excellence: The Lobo Standard is representative of all Lobos, whether they wore a jersey, bought a ticket, cheered from the stands, taught a class or are simply just proud of our great university. We will continue to serve our student-athletes to the best of our abilities, and UNMatched Excellence: The Lobo Standard will help guide us along that path.”