Wednesday, April 1, 2026 | Edition #181

Dr. Scott at DSA Manager/Supervisor Training.

Dear Student Affairs Colleagues,

It has been wonderful to see all of the activity in our community as spring weather warms and greens our campus, and our semester moves into the height of activity, looking toward graduation and the end of the academic year.

One of the things I most enjoy about this time of year is seeing Johnson Field come back to life in a deep green, contrasted against the Sandia Mountains, with club sports, intramural, and pickup games providing our students with opportunities to engage, connect, learn, and activate. Our team focused on campus recreation at UNM intersects multiple domains of wellness with their critical work, attending to physical, mental, and social wellbeing in meaningful ways.

We are excited to welcome our new Director of Campus Recreation, Zachary Hammerle, in just a few short weeks, as our existing team continues to expand and innovate their impact, building on a strong foundation of student-centered service and success. From open recreation and aquatics to athletics, instructional classes, and—most recently highlighted in the UNM Newsroom—outdoor adventures, our team is consistently finding meaningful ways to engage students and support their success.

With appreciation,

Eric

After a competitive national search, Zachary Hammerle has been appointed as the new director for Campus Recreation at The University of New Mexico. Hammerle, with more than 10 years of higher education experience, most recently served as assistant director of Campus Recreation at Western Oregon University, overseeing program development, facility operations, student‑focused initiatives, and teaching adventure‑based coursework.

Hammerle holds a master’s degree in recreation, sports management, and event planning, and a bachelor’s degree in European history from the University of North Texas.

“We are pleased to welcome Zach Hammerle as our new Director for Campus Recreation,” said Dr. Jenna Crabb, executive director for Student Resources. “He brings a strong track record of relevant experience, along with an energy and enthusiasm that align perfectly with our mission and goals.”

Crabb is excited about the leadership and perspective Hammerle will bring to the organization and looks forward to the positive impact he will have on UNM’s Recreational Services team and community.

The Director for Campus Recreation provides visionary leadership and strategic oversight for Recreational Services, which delivers recreational and wellness programs for students, staff, and faculty. Signature offerings include intramural sports leagues, outdoor adventure trips, fitness and group exercise classes, aquatics programs, and peer‑led wellness workshops.

In alignment with the Division’s goals around holistic wellness, belonging, and a student‑ready campus, the director supports collaborative environments and high‑impact programs—such as sport club leadership development,

mindfulness and stress‑reduction initiatives, and inclusive recreational events—that advance learning, personal development, and overall well‑being.



“The director serves as a steward of the facility and program and leads the team in setting the values and philosophies that will guide the future development of both,” Dr. Eric Scott, vice president for Student Affairs, said. “This is an exciting moment to welcome a new leader as we execute on the innovating the student experience strategic plan and stand poised identify new and creative opportunities to enhance our service to the UNM community.”

By Megan Borders

At the University of New Mexico, a unique, integrated business model is transforming how students develop the professionalism and transferable skills that prepare them for careers after graduation, while increasing access to the outdoors. 

UNM’s Recreational Services Outdoor Adventure Center combines hands-on work experience through five programs run by students. Students develop real-world skills in leadership, customer service, time management, equipment handling and program operations, all while pursuing their passion for spending time outdoors and sharing it with others. 

Miles Cargas is the outdoor program specialist who manages the center. He himself was a student at UNM who found his calling as a center student employee and feels lucky to have made it his career after graduation. 

“I was blown away that I could do my dream job in the place that helped me grow,” said Cargas. “As a student employee here, I learned how to talk with peers and navigate stressful and adverse situations.”



The purpose of the center is to make having fun outdoors accessible to the UNM and the greater UNM community. It offers all skill levels a variety of outdoor activity options and educational opportunities while teaching safety skills and fostering a supportive community where participants can work together to learn about the outdoors and themselves. 

Sabrina Single Parents Scholarship

Applications Open

The Sabrina Single Parents Scholarship supports undergraduate and graduate single parents attending UNM each Spring semester. Applicants must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours, have a minimum 2.0 GPA, demonstrate financial need, and be the sole financial provider for their family. Required materials include an application form, a brief written statement, proof of financial need, and a current photo for use in a recognition event. Selected recipients receive a $500 award credited to their student account. 

The Division of Student Affairs is seeking motivated students to apply for the Student Affairs Leadership Intern (SALI) position. This paid internship offers hands‑on professional experience within a collaborative office environment while supporting programs and services that enhance the UNM student experience. SALI interns gain exposure to careers in Student Affairs, build transferable professional skills, contribute to assessment and reporting efforts, and have opportunities to develop and implement innovative ideas. This role is ideal for students interested in leadership development, graduate school preparation, and careers in higher education.

American Indian Student Services, El Centro de la Raza, African American Student Services, and the Asian American Pacific Islander Resource Center are excited to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2026. 

We’d be grateful for your support in spreading the word to students so they can take advantage of these opportunities and be recognized for this meaningful educational milestone. 



If students have any questions regarding the events, please direct them to connect with the appropriate centers.

Save the Date for the 2026 Louie Awards

Know a certain someone whose work is out of this world and deserves recognition? Why not nominate them for a 2026 Lobolympics Louie Award?

Nominations are currently being accepted in the following categories now through Friday, April 17:

• Amazing Assessment 
• Howling Best Employee 
• Lobo Star Student Employee
• Outstanding Pack
• Student Affairs Cub
• UNM Faculty Leader of the Pack
• UNM Staff Leader of the Pack

Visit the DSA Louies webpage for all the details