The University of New Mexico names Ryan Berryman as Vice President and Director of Athletics

University of New Mexico President Garnett S. Stokes today announced the appointment of Ryan Berryman as Vice President and Director of Athletics, removing the interim tag from the role he has held since January 1, 2026. A three-time UNM graduate and New Mexico native, Berryman becomes one of the youngest athletics directors in Division I, and the first Lobo alumnus to lead the department in the modern era.

"This search confirmed what Lobo Athletics has in Ryan Berryman," said President Stokes. "He was evaluated against an outstanding field of candidates, and he stood above them. His vision for this department, his proven ability to execute, and the trust he has already built here made this decision clear. We are fortunate that the right person for this job is already a Lobo."

The announcement comes after a rapid-fire two month interim period in which Berryman led legislative efforts for improvements at University Stadium and worked collaboratively with his team on both a viral 1990’s night promotion at Lobo Basketball, as well as a 10-year naming rights partnership with Nusenda Credit Union valued at an average of $1.74-million annually, with University Arena to be officially known as The Pit – Powered by Nusenda beginning with the 2026-27 basketball season.

"This search confirmed what Lobo Athletics has in Ryan Berryman. He was evaluated against an outstanding field of candidates, and he stood above them. His vision for this department, his proven ability to execute, and the trust he has already built here made this decision clear. We are fortunate that the right person for this job is already a Lobo."

– UNM President Garnett S. Stokes

Berryman's ties to Lobo Athletics run deeper than almost anyone in the department. He got his start as a student manager for the men's basketball program in 2012, serving on the support staff that won back-to-back Mountain West Championships. He later served as a student regent on the UNM Board of Regents, where he served as vice chair of both the Finance and Facilities Committee and the Academic and Student Affairs Committee.

Berryman rejoined UNM Athletics in March 2025 as Deputy Athletic Director and Chief Operating Officer, bringing recent Power 4 conference experience and deep familiarity with Lobo Athletics. Prior to returning, he served as Senior Associate Athletic Director and Chief Financial Officer at the University of Washington, where he led financial planning and business operations during the program's transition into the Big Ten Conference.

He has worked in some capacity with each of the past five Lobo men's basketball coaches and was involved in the hiring of men's basketball coach Eric Olen, women's soccer coach Karley Nelson, and women’s volleyball coach Brian Hosfeld.

"I am so incredibly grateful to President Garnett Stokes and the members of the search committee for this incredible opportunity to serve our student-athletes and our community. New Mexico is home, and leading Lobo Athletics is the greatest professional honor of my life," said Berryman. "I have watched this department grow through some hard years and some remarkable ones, and I believe with everything I have that the best days are ahead. We are going to build something here that this entire state is proud of — in competition, in the classroom, and in this community. I can’t wait to get back to work!”

Berryman was selected following a national search conducted with the assistance of Parker Executive Search and a search committee chaired by Del Archuleta.

"This committee took its charge seriously and evaluated a strong national field," said Archuleta. "At the end of that process, Ryan Berryman stood out — because of who he is, what he has built, and where he intends to take this program. His knowledge of this university, this community, and this moment in college athletics is unmatched. We are confident we have our person."

Head football coach Jason Eck, who led the Lobos to a 9-4 record, a Mountain West-best 6-2 conference mark, and the program's first bowl appearance since 2016 in his first season at UNM, welcomed the news.

"I've been around long enough to know that the Athletic Director sets the tone: the culture, the resources, the expectations, and most importantly, the trust between administration and coaches," said Eck. "Ryan has earned that trust every single day since I got here. He doesn't just support winning programs; he builds the conditions that make winning possible. This is a great day for Lobo football and for every program under this roof. We've got something special building here in Albuquerque, and I know Ryan is going to pour fuel on that fire. Bos Up."

Men's basketball head coach Eric Olen, who was hired in April 2025 and has quickly energized the program and its fanbase, echoed that enthusiasm.

"The Pit - Powered by Nusenda is one of the great environments in college basketball, and Ryan Berryman just helped make it even more extraordinary," said Olen. "He helped bring me here, and it didn't take long to see why he is so special. He understands what coaches need, he cares deeply about our student-athletes, and he holds everyone to a high standard, including himself. That's the kind of partnership that gets you to March and keeps you there. I can't wait to keep building this together."

A three-time graduate of UNM, Berryman holds an undergraduate degree in marketing and operations management from the Anderson School of Management, earned summa cum laude, and master's degrees in business administration and sports administration, both also earned summa cum laude. He also graduated with distinction from the UNM Honors College. He previously attended East Mountain High School in Sandia Park, N.M.

In his new permanent role, Berryman will oversee all 18 of UNM's NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics programs. His immediate priorities include advancing renovation plans for University Stadium, continuing to grow the department's revenue infrastructure, and building on the extraordinary momentum Lobo Athletics has generated on and off the field.

Berryman resides in Albuquerque with his wife Jenae.

A formal press conference and red coat ceremony will be held after the Mountain West Tournament.

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