Fernando Lovo

Fernando Lovo joined the Lobo Family as the university’s 14th Vice President and Director of Athletics in December of 2024. Lovo joined UNM from the University of Texas at Austin, where he served as an Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director for Operations.

Lovo’s extensive background in collegiate athletics administration includes roles at the University of Texas, Ohio State University, and the University of Houston, as well as with the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars. His professional portfolio demonstrates a comprehensive approach to athletics administration, creating high-performance environments supporting athletic excellence and student-athlete development. He has a proven track record of operational excellence, revenue generation and fundraising, and an unwavering dedication to academic integrity and financial stewardship. He is also positioned to lead UNM Athletics into a new era of growth and achievement. At UNM, Lovo will oversee all aspects of UNM’s NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletic programs, aligning athletics with the university’s mission, managing financial operations, ensuring NCAA compliance, and fostering community relationships.

“I am truly honored and humbled to be selected to lead UNM Athletics and build upon its rich tradition, and I am grateful to President Stokes and the search committee members for their belief in me,” said Lovo. “This opportunity means a great deal to me, and I am excited to work alongside the talented student-athletes, coaches, and staff at UNM and the entire New Mexico community to achieve new levels of success, both on and off the field.”

“My commitment is to foster an environment where our programs can thrive, and our student-athletes can excel in all aspects of their lives,” Lovo continued. “I look forward to engaging with the Lobo community, building strong relationships, and ensuring our athletics align with the university’s mission and values. Together, we will strive for excellence and create lasting memories for our students and fans. Thank you for welcoming me and my family into this incredible community. Go, Lobos!”

Lovo had two stints with the University of Texas, including from December 2021 until his appointment at UNM, serving in several administrative roles.  He rejoined Texas as Senior Associate Athletics Director for Facilities and Operations before quickly being promoted to Senior Associate Athletics Director, Facilities, Capital Projects & Game Operations.

His final role with Texas was Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director – Operations where along with serving as the sports coordinator for men’s basketball and men’s and women’s tennis, he oversaw nearly one half a billion dollars in capital projects.

Lovo spent a year in the National Football League in 2021 with the Jacksonville Jaguars, serving as Chief of Staff, a similar position he held with Texas in his first stint with the Longhorns, serving as Chief of Staff for Football from December, 2016 through January, 2021.

He got his collegiate career started as a football operations coordinator from January, 2012 through January, 2015 before moving to the University of Houston where he was Assistant A.D. for Football Operations for the 2015 and 2016 years as Houston went 22-5 and had the success that set up the university’s eventual move to the Big XII.

Lovo, 36, was just the fourth Lobo AD in the last 32 years when he was hired.

Lovo earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and government in 2010 and a Master of Science in Sport and Fitness Administration/Management in 2012, both from the University of Florida.

The native of Miami was born in New Orleans.  He and his wife, Jordan, have two children, Liam and Layla.