Fernando Lovo joined the Lobo Family as the University’s 14th Vice President and Director of Athletics in December 2024. Lovo came to UNM from the University of Texas at Austin, where he served as 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 a stint with the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars. His professional portfolio demonstrates a comprehensive approach to athletics administration, creating high-performance environments that support athletic excellence and student-athlete development. He has a proven track record of operational excellence, revenue generation, fundraising, and an unwavering dedication to academic integrity and financial stewardship. He is well-positioned to lead UNM Athletics into a new era of growth and achievement. At UNM, Lovo oversees 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 my family and me into this incredible community. Go Lobos!”
In his first year with New Mexico, Lovo oversaw an athletic program that finished 49th in the final Learfield Directors’ Cup standings — the best finish among Group of Five schools and the highest finish for a Group of Five school in 12 years. UNM won six Mountain West titles, tied for the fourth-most in school history and the most of any Mountain West school that year, and set numerous academic records, including new marks for Mountain West All-Academic and Scholar-Athlete selections. He was tasked with hiring a new football coach in just his second week on the job, bringing in Jason Eck, one of the hottest names in the coaching ranks. He also hired basketball coach Eric Olen from UC San Diego in what was widely considered one of the best hires of the offseason.
Lovo also guided the department to a record revenue year for Lobo Athletics, growing the overall operating budget of the department by [17.6% from FY25 to FY26], and achieving record marks in ticket sales, multimedia rights, parking, concessions, and trademark and licensing revenue — along with a record year in Lobo Club fundraising.
Lovo had two stints with the University of Texas, including a period from December 2021 until his appointment at UNM, during which he served in several administrative roles. He rejoined Texas as Senior Associate Athletics Director for Facilities and Operations, before being quickly promoted to Senior Associate Athletics Director, Facilities, Capital Projects & Game Operations. His final role with Texas was as Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director – Operations, where, in addition to serving as the sports coordinator for men’s basketball and men’s and women’s tennis, he oversaw nearly 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 to the one he held in his first stint with the Longhorns, where he served as Chief of Staff for Football from December 2016 through January 2021.
He began his collegiate career as a Football Operations Coordinator from January 2012 through January 2015 at the Ohio State University before moving to the University of Houston, where he was Assistant A.D. for Football Operations for the 2015 and 2016 seasons. During that time, Houston went 22–5 and laid the foundation for the University’s eventual move to the Big XII.
Lovo, just the fourth Lobo AD in the last 32 years at UNM, 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.
A native of Miami, Lovo was born in New Orleans. He and his wife, Jordan, have two children, Liam and Layla.