Kunzer-Murphy named UNLV’s interim athletic director

Tina Kunzer-Murphy has been named interim athletic director at University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

“Tina Kunzer-Murphy has agreed to step into the role of interim athletic director on the heels of Jim Livengood’s retirement,” UNLV President Neal Smatresk said in a statement. “Tina brings a wealth of experience to UNLV and I am truly grateful that she will be serving in this critical role.”

Kunzer-Murphy said, “President Smatresk asked me to help with the transition. I’m excited about it. I’m looking forward to get back into athletics, which is something I love. I look forward to the summer and the fall as we look for a new athletic director. I’m really excited about the opportunity.”

She’ll take over July 1. Smatresk has said he hopes to find a permanent replacement for Livengood by September.

Kunzer-Murphy, 60, was executive director of the Las Vegas Bowl for 12 years and was the first female director of a collegiate bowl game.

Since January, she has been director of alumni sponsorship and development at UNLV. She also had worked in the athletics department at UNLV and the University of Pacific in Stockton, Calif., and for the Western Athletic Conference. She also worked for the Las Vegas 51s baseball team and the Las Vegas Thunder football team.

Kunzer-Murphy was born and raised in Las Vegas and graduated from Valley High. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UNLV.