Editor,
The University’s recent announcement of Eddie Nuñez’ appointment as the new UNM Athletics Director symbolizes more than a new hiring — this is a badly needed opportunity for UNM Athletics to hit the reset button.
As a graduating senior and as a former student government staffer, I have seen nothing but fiscal mismanagement from the UNM Athletics Department during the time I have been in college. Last year, it seemed as though there was always a new financial controversy from the Athletics Department.
Whether it was the golf junket illegally paid by taxpayer dollars, the opening of an investigation from the State Auditor’s office into the financial management of the Department or the near-defunding of the most successful sport on campus (skiing), the public’s trust in UNM Athletics is at an all-time low.
It shouldn’t take the thorough investigative journalism by the NM Fish Bowl to unearth the financial records of one of UNM’s most expensive enterprises — these records should always be accessible to the public. UNM Athletics should not be above public scrutiny, as the financial decisions that are made in that department affect every single department on campus.
One thing is for certain: Mr. Nuñez has a tough job ahead of him because of the failures of his predecessor. But it’s been years since UNM Athletics has had this kind of opportunity to turn the ship around. I call on the Regents, UNM administration and the leadership of the different stakeholders on this campus to use this moment of new management to finally hold UNM Athletics accountable.
That means demanding a public cleaning of the books, a clear strategy to resolve the $17 million debt owed to the University and throwing sunshine on every taxpayer dollar spent in the department. That means a new level of scrutiny by the Student Fee Review Board on the level at which Athletics should get funded by student fees next year. A public inspection of the department can only be healthy for our University, and this is a conversation that needs to continue for years to come. We all have the power to stand up and demand this level of accountability for UNM Athletics.
This is too important, and I hope that the University community is ready to help Mr. Nuñez bring new leadership and vision to the Athletics department.
Gabe Gallegos
Former Communications Director for the Associated Students of UNM
Expecting to graduate in May 2018
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