Kurt Esser Position: Assoc. AD- Marketing & Communications Institution: University of Nevada

Entering his first year at New Mexico, associate athletics director for external affairs Kurt Esser has extensive experience in out-source marketing and collegiate athletics. Esser's duties will include oversight of marketing, ticket operations, media relations and Lobo Sports Properties, as well as sport oversight of swimming & diving and both men's and women's soccer programs.

The former Host and Learfield Communications employee, who also worked at Illinois State and Kansas, holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Indiana University (1988) and a master's degree in sports administration from the University of Kansas (1995).

Prior to New Mexico, Esser worked for almost five years at the University of Nevada. While at Nevada, Esser initiated a student fan group, the Blue Crew, and revamped the marketing and sales efforts with the hiring of a season and group ticket sales director.

Additionally, Esser furthered the department's out-source efforts with Learfield Communications and Seismic Events (known as Wolf Pack Sports Properties), the advertising rights-holder that sells stadium and arena signage, game program advertising and other sponsorships on behalf of the athletics department. Wolf Pack Sports Properties increased its involvement by acquiring the television broadcast rights and will be able to package that part of the Wolf Pack brand with other departmental rights.

Radio and television rights fees have been increased and the reach was greatly enhanced under Esser's direction. Nevada has had football and men's basketball games broadcast via the Wolf Pack Sports Network on a regular basis in the Las Vegas, Sacramento and Bay Area markets.

Kurt and his wife, Tricia, have a daughter, Reese, age 3 and a son, Jack, born on June 21st, 2007.