Student-athlete development key for new Aggie AD

“We can write our own story moving forward. I believe there's untapped potential here and I think I can unlock it. "”

NMSU AD Joe Fields

In the rapidly changing world of collegiate athletics, New Mexico State University is turning the reins of its athletics department over to a man who thrives at helping student-athletes succeed in all aspects of college life. Joe Fields has experience working so many of the issues that arise in today’s NCAA, but his ability to connect with the athletes sealed the deal and led to his hiring as the new Aggie director of athletics.

NMSU formally introduced Fields to a collection of fans, boosters, athletes, and coaches at a Thursday, Oct. 2 news conference on the outdoor patio of the Danny Villanueva Victory Club located on the third floor of the Fulton Athletics Center. The former deputy AD at Tulsa takes the helm in Las Cruces Oct. 8.

It took nine months from the firing of Mario Moccia in January for NMSU president Valerio Ferme to announce Fields as his permanent replacement. Deputy athletic director for strategic initiatives and leadership, Amber Burdge, has been serving as acting AD in the interim.

Following an evaluation period of about six months, the Aggies embarked on a national search that led to Fields. His contract is a five-year deal that begins at $360,000 per year and increases by $15,000 each year thereafter. It also includes a number of performance-based incentives.

Fields stood out in the hiring process because of the expectation that he will thrive at developing young athletes.

“He impressed me with his focus, personal and organizational excellence across the board, and his desire to elevate not only athletics but the student athletes and the university to the next level,” Ferme said during his introduction of Fields.” It was really clear that he cares deeply about all aspects of the university.”

That’s the aspect of the work that drives Fields, that fuels his excitement for athletic administration.

“It's a part of who I am,” Fields said. “I came up in athletics on the student development side, so I'm used to working really closely with students. I'm going to be at practices; I'm going to be at games. I'm going to be engaged with our student athletes. That's what gives me life, so I'll never get too far away from that. I know that there's a lot of other responsibilities I have but that's the piece that's so near and dear to my heart.”

Getting things done

In pitching himself for this opportunity, Fields wanted the search committee and President Ferme to see that he gets things done.

“I think for me throughout the process what I wanted to really come through was that personally and professionally I’ve achieved at the highest level,” Fields said. “I truly care about student-athletes, and I was a really well-rounded administrator. I thought that would fit this opportunity really well.

Fields was most recently at Tulsa, where he oversaw the daily operations of the athletics department. He began his career at his alma mater, Syracuse, where he played football, and then worked his way up through the student-athlete development ranks, starting as a graduate assistant and ultimately serving as director of academic services.

He moved to Texas A&M in 2017, where he really shined. Fields’ perspective as a former student-athlete helped shape his work in student-athlete development and academics at A&M, where he restructured several key student-athlete development programs.

In addressing the assembled supporters at his introductory appearance on campus, Fields showed one of the characteristics that most struck Ferme in the interview process­—his humility.

“He is humble and yet self-assured and confident in his abilities,” Ferme said. “I can't wait to team and work together to achieve higher goals.”

For his part, Fields thanked a long list of former coaches and colleagues whose influence brought him to this place. At the top of the list is his family. Fields and his wife, Sade, have three children—Joseph, Jode, and Jade.

“Sade, my wife of 10 years, she’s our backbone,” Fields said. “She makes everything go. You're amazing. I would not be standing here if it wasn't for you.”

The feeling that Las Cruces was a great place for his family played a key role in Fields’ decision to accept the job.

“Sade and I appreciate the diverse, vibrant community,” he said. “We think our family can grow and be really happy here.”

Elevating the student experience

Fields’ passion for elevating the student experience began in his playing days.

“I'm a proud product of college athletics,” he said. “I like to say college athletics done right. I earned a football scholarship to Syracuse University and that scholarship changed my life. It allowed me to pursue my education at the highest level, while competing in football at the highest level. It is why I truly believe in the holistic development of student-athletes. Helping them grow in all facets of their lives will have a profound impact on them long term.”

The AD understands we are living in an entirely different era of college sports, with athletes being paid directly and through NIL and with players easily transferring from school to school.

“I understand this is becoming more and more difficult with NIL and the transfer portal,” Fields said. “As long as we have them on our campus, one year or four years, let's pour into them and change their lives. We must strive for excellence in all that we do. The world of college athletics has evolved. We must evolve with it. We must be responsible, innovative, proactive, and strategic moving forward and we'll do it all with integrity, hard work, accountability, and most importantly, we'll do it all together.”

He's excited for the chance to lead the program forward.

“The past is the past,” Fields said. “We can write our own story moving forward. I believe there's untapped potential here and I think I can unlock it. For our student-athletes, coaches, staff, and fans, the goals will be simple: graduate student-athletes, win championships, and operate a first-class organization.”