Woody and Gayle Hunt Family Foundation Commits $2.5 Million to Support UTEP Athletics Transition to Mountain West Conference
EL PASO, Texas (Dec. 9, 2024) – UTEP announced today that the Woody and Gayle Hunt Family Foundation has pledged $2.5 million to support UTEP Athletics as the university prepares to transition to the Mountain West Conference in July 2026. This transformative gift will play a pivotal role in ensuring UTEP’s competitiveness on and off the field as it enters a new era of regional rivalries and athletic excellence.
“Transitioning to the Mountain West Conference is a game-changer for UTEP and the El Paso community,” said UTEP President Heather Wilson. “While this move brings tremendous opportunities, it also comes with transition costs. We are deeply grateful to the Hunt Family Foundation for stepping forward with this extraordinary leadership gift. Their generosity reflects their unwavering commitment to the success of our students and our city.”
The donation serves as a cornerstone of UTEP Athletics’ comprehensive efforts to strengthen all men’s and women’s sports programs, upgrade facilities, and ensure operational readiness ahead of the conference transition.
Josh Hunt, President of the Woody and Gayle Hunt Family Foundation, emphasized the far-reaching impact of the move. “The Mountain West Conference will elevate UTEP’s visibility and competitiveness, while energizing fans and inspiring community pride. This is not just an investment in athletics; it’s an investment in UTEP’s bright future and the economic vitality of El Paso. As proud Miner fans, we’re honored to help UTEP reach new heights and showcase what our university and community can achieve.”
“The Hunt family continues to invest in enhancing the quality of life in El Paso, impacting our community in a positive way. What’s good for UTEP and Miner Athletics is good for our community and our citizens,” said Vice President and Director of Athletics Jim Senter. “The Hunt family shares in our excitement of joining the Mountain West Conference and renewing our long-standing regional rivalries. It’s important to all of us that we put our best foot forward and put the best possible product on the playing field in 2026. Through the generosity of the Hunt family, UTEP Athletics will be able to build the adequate financial resources to begin a thrilling new era in July of 2026.”
The Mountain West Conference brings UTEP into a league of strong competitors and storied rivalries, bolstering the university’s visibility on a national stage. This milestone, supported by the generosity of the Hunt Family Foundation, marks a bold step forward for UTEP Athletics and the El Paso region.
About the Hunt Family Foundation
The Woody and Gayle Hunt Family Foundation is one of the Borderplex’s preeminent private family foundations focused on creating a globally competitive region. Since 1987, it has made grants and commitments of more than $147.9 million to institutions working to transform education, improve healthcare, advance regional economic and cultural development, and create a greater quality of life for all Borderplex residents. 89% of the Foundation's total giving has supported organizations and initiatives in the Borderplex region.
About The University of Texas at El Paso
The University of Texas at El Paso is America’s leading Hispanic-serving university. Located at the westernmost tip of Texas, where three states and two countries converge along the Rio Grande, 84% of our 25,000 students are Hispanic, and more than half are the first in their families to go to college. UTEP offers 170 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs at the only open-access, top-tier research university in America.
Last Updated on December 09, 2024 at 12:00 AM | Originally published December 09, 2024
By MC Staff UTEP Marketing and Communications
