LAS CRUCES, N.M. – With a new year comes the presence of a new director of athletics for New Mexico State University. Dr. Amber Burdge, brought on to NMSU’s staff by former director of athletics Mario Moccia, made her debut as Moccia’s interim replacement and is continuing on the previously paved pathway for the future of Aggie sports.
Burdge was appointed acting athletics director by NMSU President Valerio Ferme Jan. 2, 2025 after it was announced that Moccia would depart the position.
Burdge first joined the athletic department Dec. 1, 2022, as the Senior Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator. In her time at the university, Burdge implemented new processes and procedures to prevent hazing on campus. She also has passion projects like the Debora Scott Women’s Empowerment Dinner, which is named after the first black female student-athlete to compete for the school. This dinner is a celebration of the female student athletes who have made a name for themselves in the history of sports at NMSU. It is also an opportunity to honor and memorialize Debora Scott for her trailblazing contributions to women’s sports.
Burdge also dedicates her time to the leadership program for student-athletes called the Captain’s Club.
“The Captain’s Club works with all of the coaches to identify student-athletes who maybe were new captains or hadn’t been a captain before, but [their] coach saw the potential that they had to become a captain, to become a leader for their team”, Burdge said.
Burdge thinks reception is what makes NMSU different form other universities.
“The people here are just very genuine, and like down to earth folks and they want to learn who you are,” Burdge said. “They are so open to connection and every single person that I’ve talked to, we all foster the same desire to support our student-athletes.”
In addition to supporting student athletes, Burdge’s biggest priority is the prevention of hazing, not only for sports, but campus wide. The topic of “See Something, Say Something” is something she wants people to take seriously and act upon.
“That was one of our goals, to create a culture of ‘See Something, Say Something,'” Burdge said. “You hear it all the time, but that was definitely a goal, and so we’ve woven it into every single training that we do.”
Burdge and Moccia worked together for many years, so it was not an easy transition for her to see him go.
“It’s definitely unfortunate”, Burdge said. “I don’t like the reason that I’m sitting in this chair or the way that it happened because, the reason is, I did my job well… But you know, how does that impact the community? I have to let the community speak on that, but, what I can say is that the community has done nothing but support me.”
Burdge is thankful for all the love and support she received becoming the acting director of athletics.
“I do think it is important to mention how much support I received from this administration and how President Ferme and I were in this together,” Burdge said. “We’re both new in our roles together, and so I’m excited to be leading this department during this time because this is a great team that I have with me.”
Burdge will look to continue her growth and excellence in her new position.
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