The University of Colorado Boulder has chosen Fernando Lovo as the new leader of its athletic department. Chancellor Justin Schwartz made the announcement, stating that Lovo, who previously worked at the University of New Mexico, was appointed after a unanimous vote by the CU Board of Regents. He will officially take charge on January 1, 2026, succeeding Rick George, who will become Athletic Director Emeritus.
Schwartz praised Lovo for his high character and commitment to student-athletes. He believes Lovo will lead CU Athletics into a new era, emphasizing the importance of both competition and academic success for student-athletes.
Before joining CU, Lovo achieved significant success at New Mexico as Vice President/Director of Athletics. In just a short time, New Mexico secured eight Mountain West titles, the most in the conference last year. The Lobos also excelled academically, setting records with 231 Scholar-Athlete selections—students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher—and 273 members on the conference All-Academic Team.
Lovo expressed his excitement about joining CU Boulder, a place he views as a leader in college athletics. He aims to help student-athletes succeed both on the field and in life. He also acknowledged his predecessor, Rick George, calling him a legendary figure in college athletics.
During his time at New Mexico, Lovo made impactful hires, including football coach Jason Eck, who led the team to a 9-3 record and a bowl game appearance. He also recruited basketball coach Eric Olen, whose team has had a strong start this season. Lovo’s work resulted in a 17.6% growth in the athletic department’s budget, with record revenues in several areas.
Lovo has a rich history in college sports. He held various roles at the University of Texas at Austin, managing substantial projects worth nearly half a billion dollars. He started his career at the University of Florida, contributing to their 2008 National Championship team.
In recent years, college athletics has faced significant changes, especially concerning athlete compensation and the impact of social media on recruitment. For example, a recent survey indicated that 67% of college athletes use social media for networking and building their brands, which underscores the evolving landscape Lovo will navigate at CU.
Ultimately, Lovo’s appointment comes at a time when the NCAA is reshaping its rules and regulations. His experience and leadership could help CU Boulder adapt and thrive in this dynamic environment.
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