The University of New Mexico has officially appointed Ryan Berryman as its new director of athletics, following his interim leadership role. This marks a significant milestone as Berryman becomes the first alumnus to head the athletic department. A New Mexico native and a graduate of UNM, Berryman began his journey with Lobo Athletics in 2012 as a student manager for the basketball program.
UNM President Garnett Stokes praised Berryman’s promotion, noting that the selection followed an extensive search process. “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. 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.”
In addition to his role as director of athletics, Berryman will also serve as vice president, adding further responsibility to his position.
This leadership change embodies a hopeful, forward-thinking direction for UNM Athletics, signaling a commitment to nurturing homegrown talent and community engagement. Berryman’s journey—from student manager to athletic director—serves as an inspiring example of dedication and growth within the university’s sports programs.