Tina Kunzer-Murphy's contract as interim athletic director has been extended through 2014. She has a long history with UNLV, first as a player and head coach of women's tennis then as assistant athletic director and director of sponsorships for alumni relations.
She also previously served as the executive director of the Las Vegas Bowl, general manager for the ESPN Regional Institution Project, and as the senior associate athletic director at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, Calif.
How does your history with the athletic department help in your duties?
I was a student-athlete, coach, and administrator. I know how you're judged every day: wins, losses, and academics. It's a very comfortable fit for me.
The basketball program is going strong after a dip in the '90s. This year, there is obvious improvement in the football team. How important are those two sports to the overall department?
Las Vegas has always been called a basketball town. I was here when we won a national championship. (Runnin' Rebels coach) Dave Rice has done a great job -- and not everyone realizes this is his first head coaching job.
The fact that Bobby Hauck and his team went up to Reno and captured the Fremont Cannon is pretty exciting. Who would have thought we'd be one win from the postseason? I don't want to sound corny, but I love our coaches.
What challenges do university system budget cuts present?
When I stepped in July 1, we had made significant cuts already. I became the bearer of bad news. Now we're seeing a little light at the end of the tunnel. We need people out in the community. We have do a lot of fundraising but it's nothing we can't chip away at.
What does "UNLV's first female athletic director" mean to you?
It's a gift that I've been asked to fill this role. I don't take it lightly. I have a responsibility to all UNLV student-athletes. I was born and raised here. Being the first woman and the first former UNLV student-athlete to sit in this chair is pretty cool. But it doesn't matter if I wear a skirt or pants; I have a job to do.
l made a commitment to be the interim athletic director. Now, I can clearly tell you, I love this job.
