The University of New Mexico (UNM) Division of Student Affairs has announced three finalists for the position of director of campus recreation following a nationwide search. The candidates—Calvin Diggs, Zachary Hammerle, and Jason Werle—will participate in open forums where students, staff, and community members can learn about their backgrounds and discuss their interest in the role.
Calvin Diggs, former director of Campus Recreation at Colorado State University Pueblo, will hold his forum on Friday, Feb. 20. Diggs has more than 20 years of experience in higher education recreation leadership. He previously increased student participation by 27 percent at CSU Pueblo through new wellness initiatives and expanded outdoor programming. His career includes roles at St. Cloud State University, Vanderbilt University, Grambling State University, and Piedmont University. Diggs is also an adjunct professor and holds a Master of Science from Jackson State University. He has received NIRSA’s Horace Moody Award and Herman Williams Award for his work in student leadership development and equity.
Zachary Hammerle serves as assistant director at Western Oregon University Campus Recreation and will be featured on Tuesday, Feb. 24. Since 2018, he has led program development in outdoor adventure, climbing, fitness, and aquatics while teaching courses in rock climbing and adventure-based learning as adjunct faculty. Hammerle’s background includes roles with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and Texas Woman’s University. He holds an M.S. from the University of North Texas and maintains several certifications related to recreation safety and instruction.
Jason Werle is currently senior associate director for Facilities & Operations at Penn State University Campus Recreation; his forum is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 25. At Penn State, Werle leads teams responsible for multiple indoor facilities as well as fields and outdoor complexes; he has overseen projects such as an Esports Center and wellness lounge renovations. Before joining Penn State, Werle held leadership positions at the University of South Florida.
The incoming director will provide strategic oversight for all aspects of UNM Recreational Services—a unit focused on delivering recreational programs to students, staff, and faculty—and contribute to implementing Student Affairs’ 2025–2030 strategic plan aimed at enhancing holistic wellness across campus.
UNM serves over 24,000 students across its main campus in Albuquerque—an area known for its Pueblo Revival architecture—and branch campuses according to its official website. The university boasts more than 200,000 alumni worldwide including national academy fellows [source]. Its athletics program competes in the Mountain West Conference with venues like the highly ranked University Arena [source]. UNM also acts as a cultural resource through libraries, museums, galleries,and performance spaces that promote diversity [source]. It is recognized nationally among top public schools by U.S.News & World Report rankings [source].
For further information about the search or upcoming forums visit the Division of Student Affairs website.


