UNM interim President Chaouki Abdallah has appointed Janice Ruggiero as Acting Director of Intercollegiate Athletics while UNM continues its search to fill the position permanently.
The transition from Paul Krebs’ term has gone as smoothly as possible and her experience has prepared her for the temporary position, Ruggiero said.
“I have been very fortunate to have overseen most departments within our athletic department excluding the external operations,” she said. “I have been here for almost 28 years so I know the different individuals to go to for most situations that may arise.”
Ruggiero did not apply for A permanent position for Director of Intercollegiate Athletics but was very honored to be asked to be interim athletics director, she said.
“I truly enjoy the position that I have had as Deputy Athletic Director for Internal Operations/Senior Woman Administrator for the last 17 years and will return to that position once an athletics director is in place,” Ruggiero said.
The biggest issue she feels she will be facing is providing stability and making sure the work on our budget is to build the department properly and stay within budget, she said.
“It is important during a time of transitions to provide stability so we can all work together during this time until the new Athletics Director comes,” Ruggiero said.
Paul Krebs advanced the department greatly in the academic area and the upgrading of facilities during his time as athletics director, she said.
While Ruggiero currently has new ideas, one thing she would like to do with her new position is stabilize the department, she said.
“I think I have improved communication within our department and have been as transparent as possible,” Ruggiero said.
Nichole Harwood is a reporter at the Daily Lobo. She can be contacted at news@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @Nolidoli1.
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