Dear Lobo Nation,

The landscape of intercollegiate athletics continues to rapidly evolve and the University of New Mexico is not immune to new rules, policies and practices that are changing our industry. But at its core, what we do in the University of New Mexico Department of Athletics never changes: serve our student-athletes.

Over the past few years, UNM Athletics has experienced tremendous momentum: from student-athlete welfare enhancements to conference titles, from facility grand openings to record-breaking fundraising. But if we want to build upon that momentum, to continue to play an integral role in the life of the University, and to be a change leader in the intercollegiate sports community, we must chart a clear path for the years ahead. After many months of work by our Strategic Planning Committee, and with the input of more than 2,200 members of the University of New Mexico Athletics community, I am proud to present UNMatched Excellence: The Lobo Standard.

As you will read, our diverse members of the Strategic Planning Committee were aided in their work by students, student-athletes, alumni, University leadership, University faculty, University staff, UNM Athletics staff, letterwinners, donors, season ticket holders, and community members. The result of the inclusive process are the values, mission, vision and strategic priorities in UNMatched Excellence: The Lobo Standard. Intentionally, this strategic plan aligns with UNM2040: Opportunity Defined, the comprehensive University strategic plan released in 2022.

Yet, this is not the end of the process but rather just the beginning. The core tenants of this plan will be widely distributed and displayed throughout the Department of Athletics so our daily decision-making is in concert with our values, mission and vision. In addition, our Department staff has diligently worked to create the “how to” of UNMatched Excellence: The Lobo Standard — the programs, investments and people needed to achieve the strategic priorities, along with the accountability required to ensure we stay on track. We do not want this strategic plan to remain stagnant; rather, it is our intention to adjust and adapt our plan, when warranted.

We are collectively grateful for the work of so many involved in the strategic planning process, beginning with our co-chairs, Senior Associate Athletic Director Ryan Berryman and Associate Athletic Director Casey Macdonald. Their leadership, professionalism and insistence on a strong and inclusive process helped us bring this plan to fruition. We are also indebted to all of the members of the Strategic Planning Committee, as well as the numerous members of the President’s Cabinet and members of the Board of Regents who provided their perspectives. Finally, thank you to the more than 2,200 members of the UNM community who lent their voices to this process.

I hope you will take the time to review UNMatched Excellence: The Lobo Standard and, as always, we are immensely grateful and honored for the incredible support Lobo Athletics continues to receive from our students, fans, alumni and community.

Go Lobos!
Eddie Nuñez
Vice President & Director of Athletics