University of New Mexico announces finalists for campus recreation director

Calvin Diggs, Director of Campus Recreation at Colorado State University Pueblo
Calvin Diggs, Director of Campus Recreation at Colorado State University Pueblo
0Comments

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.



Related

Michelle Dearholt, President and CEO of Nusenda Credit Union

Michelle Dearholt reflects on journey from UNM student to Nusenda Credit Union CEO

Michelle Dearholt became president and CEO of Nusenda Credit Union in March 2024, following nearly twenty years of leadership development.

Garnett S. Stokes President at University of New Mexico

UNM releases leadership profile for provost and executive vice president for academic affairs search

The University of New Mexico has published a leadership profile outlining expectations for its next provost. A national search led by a campus advisory committee is underway with support from an executive search firm. The process aims to identify candidates who can lead UNM’s academic mission.

Garnett S. Stokes President at University of New Mexico

University of New Mexico unveils design plans for new Humanities & Social Sciences Complex

When planning the new Humanities & Social Sciences Complex (HSSC) at The University of New Mexico, the design team from Studio Tsien in New York City and SMPC Architects in Albuquerque explored the origins of Pueblo Revival style by visiting…

Trending

The Weekly Newsletter

Sign-up for the Weekly Newsletter from ABQ Times.