NMSU Athletics 2013-17 Revised Strategic Plan Moving forward on our Journey to Excellence 1.

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NMSU Athletics 2013-17 Revised Strategic Plan

Moving forward on our Journey to Excellence

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IntroductionAlignment with Institutional VisionOn May 10, 2013 the NMSU Board of Regents passed a resolution in support of NMSU Athletics’ membership in the Sun Belt Conference. Additionally the Board made the following statements in support of NMSU Athletics:• Commitment for NMSU to work to create a strong and respected athletic program that

competes at the Division I FBS level;• Pride in the overall success that our student-athletes achieve in both the classroom and

playing field• Pledge to work to provide student-athletes with opportunities to achieve their dreams both

in the classroom and on the field• Confidence and commitment in the institutional investment in athleticsThe Athletics Department understands the role it plays in furthering the goals of New Mexico State University, and is proud to have the strong support of the President and Board of Regents in support of the vision for NMSU Athletics.

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IntroductionMajor Issues to AddressSeveral key issues were identified through the various planning processes that are critical and are addressed in this plan. Athletic Department Structure: Communication and Internal OperationsThe current structure of the Athletic Department was established during extremely challenging economic times as a way to leverage University resources most efficiently while maintaining a commitment to excellence in the athletics department. The structure spreads responsibility for key athletics functions across the campus. This structure, although critical at the time, is no longer the most efficient. This plan outlines a new structure that unifies the core athletics functions under one vision, creating clear lines of responsibility and accountability.

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IntroductionFootball SuccessNMSU has had an excellent track record in Olympic and non-revenue sports and has sent over 450 student-athletes to regional and national championships in the last six years. Our students have made us proud with over a hundred individual and team awards for superior athletic performance. Football, however has struggled to gain momentum and NMSU has not been able to realize the benefits of a winning football program, including building community camaraderie and enhancing the overall reputation of the University. A winning football team helps create a winning culture for the Athletic Department and entire institution. Conference MembershipAs this planning process was evolving NMSU was in the middle of negotiations to join the Sun Belt Conference. By March 2013 the announcement was made that NMSU will join the Sun Belt as a football-only school for the 2014 season. This plan reflects efforts to maximize competitive opportunities in the Sun Belt, with the ultimate goal of bringing all sports to one Conference.

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IntroductionCommunity ConnectionCritical to the success of NMSU is a strong connection to the community, both in Las Cruces and throughout New Mexico and the US. NMSU has over 60,000 alumni residing in the state of New Mexico and another 110,000 across the US. A large part of our marketing efforts focus on building a stronger connection to the community. From developing a common rallying cry to meeting our fans face to face through clinics, we are committed to building connections that lead to strong traditions and a sense of pride in our school and our state. Future Opportunities The decentralized management structure of the department, a struggling football team, and low levels of community engagement and support were identified as the department’s biggest challenges. Conversely, membership in the Sun Belt, a new football coach with a clear plan, and a strong commitment to collaboration between the University Community and entities to include the alumni office, University Foundation and other stakeholder groups, are among the greatest opportunities. The student-athletes at NMSU remain the Department’s greatest asset, and their continued achievements at the highest competitive level possible, on and off-the-field, are the highest priority for the department.

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Building on the Journey to Excellence

The department’s existing strategic plan, Journey to Excellence, set forth a road map with 8 strategic goals:1. NMSU student-athletes will be successful students, athletes, and citizens.2. NMSU will maintain its commitment to diversity and gender equity.3. NMSU will engage the New Mexico community in helping achieve our vision.4. NMSU will build and maintain competitive athletic teams.5. NMSU will build and maintain facilities comparable to peer institutions.6. NMSU will elevate its presence in the local, regional, and national media.7. NMSU will develop the financial resources required to operate a premier athletic program.8. NMSU will maintain operations and attitudes that support and promote superior customer service. In the last six years the department has made significant progress; increasing revenue by $8 million, building a culture of responsibility among student-athletes, and winning over 20 Conference championships. We are proud of the work we’ve accomplished and are poised to raise the bar and focus on higher levels of excellence as we move into the future.

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• 16 WAC Team Championships• 33 WAC Individual Championships• 15 Team NCAA Tournament Appearances• 24 NCAA Individual Tournament Appearances• Student-athletes have a 73% graduation rate • Student-athletes performed over 5000 community service

hours annually for the past fie years supporting the individual student-athlete 15 hour a year obligation.

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Aggie Up!The NMSU Athletic Journey to Excellence is an internal plan aimed at creating the best mid-major in the country. In an effort to capture the spirit and intent of that goal, the Department established the phrase Aggie Up! This phrase and logo will be included in marketing and engagement efforts. The Aggie nickname is a strong and powerful nickname with NMSU stakeholders. We are proud of our roots and our region. It is a region filled with hard-working people that do not give in when times are tough. Aggies are people from all walks of life that have achieved success despite significant obstacles. Aggies make that extra effort or take that extra step to get things right.

The word "Up" indicates an ascension to something better. It is a very simple term to reflect the Journey to Excellence, which is clearly a commitment to ascension amongst the mid-major universities throughout the country. By combining Aggie and Up, we have linked an external rallying cry and marketing tag line with our internal strategy of Journey to Excellence. Aggie Up!

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NMSU Athletics Mission, Vision & Values NMSU Athletics staff worked with Larry Lujan and Associates from Brush Ranch as part of the strategic planning process to refine our mission statement. In response to the fundamental question, “Why do we exist?” two themes emerged as the most important: 1) student-athletes, and 2) community. Our vehicle is athletic competition. Our purpose is clear. NMSU Athletics mission: We inspire student-athletes to build strong communities.

Similarly, our vision statement is simple and communicates our commitment to continue to strive for excellence. NMSU Athletics vision: We aspire to be the best mid major in the country.

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Future FocusThe Athletics Department, with input from key stakeholders has defined the following as our focus areas for the next three to five years:• Athletics Competition• Academics and Citizenship• Marketing & Community Engagement• Revenue Growth• Internal Operations

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Focus Area: Athletic CompetitionThe NMSU Athletics Department has achieved great success with sports across the board with the exception of its football program. Although football is only one program, it represents over 100 student-athletes and is the most high profile team, on a local and national scale, and it is what allows NMSU to compete at the Division 1 BCS level. NMSU’s ability to achieve its vision for all students will be enhanced greatly through a winning football program.

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Focus Area: Athletic CompetitionGoal: Our teams consistently win conference championships and compete at the national level.

Key Driver Activities Key Result

A winning football program

Improve facilities to support recruitment and competition:

o Install artificial turf o Refurbish weight roomo Locker room Build strength and endurance: o Continue investments in strength & conditioning Build on core health: Implement nutrition program Ensure summer school opportunities

for student-athletes Increase recruiting efforts in NM

A larger pool of talented student-athletes Stronger and healthier student-athletes Student-athletes continue to improve academically and athletically over the summer. More scholarship and walk-on student-athletes from New Mexico NMSU football team will be bowl-eligible.

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Focus Area: Athletic CompetitionKey Driver Activities Key Result

Broad-based excellence in all sports

Maintain scholarships at the NCAA allowable level

Increase summer school aid across all sports

Upgrade facilities to maintain commitment to Title IX

Renovate baseball stadium Continue building a strong brand

among prospective student-athletes

Visible Commitment to Title IX financial aid Consistent individual student-athlete recognition Positioned consistently Conference, Regional, and National championships

Key Metrics: Football Bowl Eligibility Won/loss record Increased number of student-

athletes from New Mexico

Number of Conference Championships

Student-athlete recognition at Conference & National level

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Focus Area: Academics and Citizenship

Consistent with the Principles of Student-Athlete Well Being outlined in the NCAA’s Principles of Conduct for Intercollegiate Athletics, NMSU will continue to protect and enhance the physical and educational well being of student-athletes. Student-athletes are an active part of the student body and are visible representatives of NMSU in our local community and a national level.

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Goal: Our student-athletes are high academic achievers and positive contributors to our community.


Academic excellence Recruit student-athletes that have

high academic expectations and understand academic demands.

Provide high quality academic programs and services to enhance educational and career development for student-athletes.

Increase support for 5th year aid.

Student-athletes will meet and exceed average graduation rate for NMSU. Teams will meet and exceed NCAA APR standards: All teams will attain a mutli-year APR of 930 per sport.

Staff and student-athletes are meaningfully engaged with the community.

Require all student-athletes to fulfill community service commitment

Build relationships with local organizations and businesses to provide professional development opportunities for student-athletes.

Student-athletes have meaningful experiences. Community organizations benefit from student-athlete service.

Student-athletes are responsible and accountable representatives of NMSU.

Continue education with staff and coaches on application of University student code of conduct

Diligently enforce rules within our student-athlete handbook

Continue work with campus partners to align student-athlete standards with the University student code of conduct

Student-athletes will be recognized as positive representatives of NMSU. Incidents of social misconduct are minimal.

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Key Metrics Community service hours APR average of 930 per sport

Increase in partnerships with community organizations and businesses

Increase in number of students engaged in internships

Decrease in instances of social misconduct

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Focus Area: Marketing & Community Engagement

In all of our marketing and engagement efforts, NMSU Athletics will strive to embody the brand promise of Aggie Up. Aggie Up means to take on the challenge of the day, whether that is the classroom, weight room, or the field of competition. Aggie Up means to do your best, to reach higher than you had before. To Aggie Up means to do the right thing, to be the type of person that people can rely on when times are tough. Aggie Up.

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Goal: Our community, local, statewide and beyond, is committed to excellence for NMSU and NMSU Athletics..


Student-athletes, staff, and coaches are a visible part of the community.

Implement Aggie Caravan to reach Aggie fans in Greater NM

Develop an Aggie “watering hole” strategy for community interaction.

Promote each instance of community outreach using social media

Increase participation in local civic and social service organizations and other charities

Stronger relationships with local community members Stronger fan base in greater New Mexico

Community members are advocates and champions for NMSU Athletics.

Recognize and celebrate critical volunteers.

Implement an integrated stewardship process with direct engagement opportunities for donors.

Effective and strategic use of volunteers Stronger commitment and investment in NMSU Athletics



Broad community support for NMSU Athletics and its mission

Develop community and donor engagement strategy with the alumni association

Enhance fan experience – from user friendly online ticket sales to special events

Secure alcohol license from state Alcohol Commission

Grow distribution opportunities through Aggie Vision

Partner with the NMSU College of Business to conduct various marketing research projects, including the effect of live TV on attendance

Explore expansion of Aggie Vision to a 24-hour TV network featuring NMSU programs, education, and athletics.

Greater attendance at home and away games Per-game attendance goals: Football – 15,000 Men’s Basketball – 7,000 Volleyball – 1,300 Women’s Basketball – 1,000

A strong Aggie brand

Maximize all digital platforms (mobile, social media, email, etc.) to communicate NMSU Athletics successes

Develop a segmented communications strategy to inform and engage various constituent groups.

Grow distribution of Aggie Vision Incorporate campus driven messaging

strategy in Aggie Vision

Fans feel a sense of pride and affinity toward NMSU Athletics

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Key Metrics: Increased ticket sales and

Aggie Vision subscriptions for targeted Aggie Caravan locations

Increase in positive feedback through biannual fan survey

Increase in community appearances promoted via social media

Number of volunteers engaged in development efforts

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Focus Area: Internal OperationsThe NMSU Athletic Department operates in partnership with multiple University departments to achieve a common goal. This team approach requires that everyone understand their roles, and lines of communication are clear and consistent. As stewards of University support we strive to make the best use of campus resources. Our immediate priority is to align all of our institutional partners around the NMSU Athletics Strategic plan, with common standards and expectations for service and communication.

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Focus Area: Internal OperationsGoal: Our internal operations are efficient and embody a spirit of cooperation, integrity, and service.


A coordinated management structure aligned around a common vision

Create a unified team approach with a shared vision and clear accountability among the following critical athletic functions: Office of Special Events, Compliance, Sports Information

Implement internal communications strategy

Develop orientation for new employees that aligns everyone around strategic goals, values, and attitudes.

Create new position with Deputy Athletic Director, Internal Operations

Clearly defined roles and lines of accountability for all athletics-related functions Increased communication among staff Better use of department resources. Enhanced fan experience

Staff, coaches, and operating partners embody values and attitudes that support personal and team excellence.

Launch internal and external marketing campaign around Aggie Up!

Establish internal standards for communication and operations focused on superior customer service.

Increased sense of pride in personal work output and participation in the NMSU Athletics department.

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Focus Area: Internal Operations

Key Metrics:

Increased communication among staff Increased number of joint initiatives among staff members Increased positive peer feedback in employee reviews Decreased negative customer feedback Increased use of Aggie Up!

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Focus Area: Revenue GenerationNMSU Athletics revenue growth will focus on increasing support from corporate sponsors and individual donors. We will also seek to reduce expenses through improved business processes and increased efficiency. NMSU is also participating in two new Conference-generated income strategies that will result in both increased revenue and exposure.

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Focus Area: Revenue GenerationGoal: NMSU Athletics will secure the necessary resources to operate a competitive Division 1 BCS level Athletics program..


New internal structure to manage development efforts

Develop clear financial goals and metrics

Define development related staff positions, roles and responsibilities

Establish new role for coaches that reduces the burden of fundraising

Expand staff to include expertise in oil and gas industry

Phase in new structure over 18 months

Develop a donor stewardship process

Department assets are maximized toward common development goals. Coaches spend more time coaching and less time fundraising Donors are recognized and thanked consistently.

Increase ticket sales revenueTotal Sport Goal: $1.8M Football - $844,000 Men’s Basketball - $852,000 Women’s Basketball - $26,000 Volleyball - $50,000 Soccer - $8,000 Baseball - $10,000 Softball - $10,000

Establish a clear vision and standards for service with the Office of Special Events

Revise management structure with ticket sales operations and special events.

Implement new ticket sales software package.

Coordinate ticket sale campaigns/ promotions with Alumni Association, NMSU Foundation, and community partners

Address current limitations on spending for fan appreciation and promotional items

A user-friendly and efficient ticket sales system that integrates with donor management software. Improved customer service and increased customer satisfaction. Enhanced game day experience and fan connection.

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Focus Area: Revenue Generation


Increase corporate sales and sponsorships revenue

Establish common standard of service for sponsors including expectations of Office of Special Events

Ensure that corporate sales and sponsorship structure best serves the constituents and financial goals of NM State athletics

Develop naming rights opportunities for athletics facilities (Pan American Center and Aggie Memorial Stadium).

Create partnership with beer and wine companies and expand beer/wine sales to the general public

Create a partnership with a billboard company to create renewable revenue from existing real estate along I-10

Track all SE partners in common donor database

Meet and exceed expectations in contractual agreements with corporate sponsors Coordinated sponsorship/ development approach. Identify/ explore new sources of revenue through earned income

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Sustain Broad-Based Institutional Support

Develop internal communications strategy to share institutional benefits of athletics

Engage student body to define institutional commitment to athletics

Participate in and host cultivation events with key decision makers

Sustained Central Administrative Support Grow student-fee support for broad-based excellence and commitment to gender equity Grow support from NM Legislature

Maximize Conference Revenue Share Schedule one less guarantee game Bolster marketing efforts through

digital channels. Play active role in Conference and

NCAA Leadership Committees

Help improve Sun Belt ranking among non BCS Conference schools to gain additional revenue share Launch WAC Digital platform to participate in shared revenue model Ensure NMSU is actively engaged in defining the Conference Agenda

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Key Metrics

Increase in ticket sales revenue by 15% growth over the next three years with FY14 actual used as the baseline.

Increase in student-fee support to support inflationary cost and critical expansion of operational needs. Increase in individual donations ($1.5M in FY17) Increase in corporate sponsorships to $1.0 million in FY17 Conference revenue share to gross to $1.0 million in FY17

NMSU Athletics 2013-17 Revised Strategic Plan Moving forward on our Journey to Excellence 1.

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