Albuquerque, NM – The University of New Mexico (UNM) has officially appointed Ryan Berryman as its Vice President and Director of Athletics, removing his interim title after a swift and successful period leading the department. The announcement, made on March 4, 2026, solidifies Berryman’s position as one of the youngest athletics directors in Division I and marks a historic moment as the first Lobo alumnus to helm the department in the modern era.
The decision follows a comprehensive search, according to UNM President Garnett S. Stokes, who emphasized Berryman’s vision, execution ability, and established trust within the university community. “This search confirmed what Lobo Athletics has in Ryan Berryman,” Stokes stated. “He was evaluated against an outstanding field of candidates, and he stood above them. We are fortunate that the right person for this job is already a Lobo.”
Berryman’s appointment comes after initially stepping into the role on an interim basis on January 1, 2026, as reported by GoLobos.com. During this period, he quickly demonstrated his leadership by spearheading key initiatives aimed at improving the university’s athletic facilities and securing crucial financial partnerships.
One significant achievement during his interim tenure was securing a 10-year naming rights partnership with Nusenda Credit Union, valued at an average of $1.74 million annually. This agreement will see University Arena officially renamed “The Pit – Powered by Nusenda” beginning with the 2026-27 basketball season, as detailed in UNM Newsroom. He also led legislative efforts for improvements at University Stadium.
A Lobo Through and Through
A three-time graduate of UNM, Berryman’s deep connection to the university and its athletic programs was a key factor in his selection. His career with Lobo Athletics began in 2012 as a student manager for the men’s basketball program, where he contributed to back-to-back Mountain West Championships, according to KOB.com. He has since held several senior leadership roles, including Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Operating Officer, gaining extensive experience in budget management, human resources, and legal affairs.
Prior to his interim appointment, Berryman oversaw core internal operations and played a central role in strengthening financial stewardship and supporting the student-athlete experience. His expertise extends to contract administration and navigating the evolving landscape of name, image, and likeness (NIL) agreements.
Looking Ahead for Lobo Athletics
Berryman’s appointment signals a period of stability and continued growth for UNM Athletics. His immediate focus will likely be on building upon the momentum generated during his interim period, further enhancing the student-athlete experience, and solidifying the financial future of the department. The success of the Nusenda Credit Union partnership demonstrates his ability to attract investment and elevate the profile of Lobo Athletics.
As noted by PublicNow, Berryman brings deep institutional knowledge and a strong commitment to the university’s student-athletes, coaches, and staff. His leadership is expected to be instrumental in navigating the challenges and opportunities facing collegiate athletics in the years to arrive.
The University of New Mexico community and Lobo Athletics fans alike will be watching closely as Berryman embarks on this new chapter, poised to lead the department into a bright future. Share your thoughts on this exciting development in the comments below.
