Silver City, NM — Western New Mexico University (WNMU) is proud to announce Jackie Bunker as the new Assistant Athletic Director of Academic Achievement. With an extensive background in athletics, education, and student development, Bunker brings over a decade of experience fostering both athletic and academic excellence.

"Jackie brings a wealth of experience in both athletics and academics, and her dedication to student success is evident in everything she does" said Interim Athletic Director, Matt Enriquez. "Jackie will make an immediate and lasting impact on our student-athletes and the overall mission of Mustang Athletics."

Bunker transitions into this role after serving as a Graduate Admissions Counselor at WNMU from Fall 2023 to Summer 2025. Prior to joining WNMU, she built an impressive career in athletics and education, including seven years as a mathematics teacher, Head Volleyball Coach, and Head Beach Volleyball Coach at Arcadia High School in Phoenix, Arizona. During her tenure, she led her teams to multiple playoff and Final Four appearances, including the 2022 4A State Runner-Up title, Region Championship (Indoor), and Section Championship in beach volleyball. In 2022, she was named Volleyball Region Coach of the Year and in the 2019 & 2023 seasons, she was named Beach Volleyball Section Coach of the Year.

"I am honored and excited to step into the role of Assistant Athletic Director of Academic Achievement at Western New Mexico University" said Bunker. "Supporting student-athletes has always been a passion of mine, and I look forward to contributing to their growth and success here at WNMU."

Her collegiate coaching experience includes key roles at Arizona State University, where she served as Interim Head Beach Volleyball Coach and Recruiting Coordinator for the 2016 season. Previously, she served in a few different capacities as the Director of Volleyball Operations, and Assistant Beach Volleyball Coach. During her time at ASU, Bunker contributed to three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, recruited nationally and internationally, and developed athletes who achieved success at the highest collegiate levels.

Bunker also states "It's a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated team of coaches and staff, and I'm eager to help elevate Mustang Athletics through a strong focus on academic excellence and holistic development."

Bunker holds a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education in Mathematics and a Master of Education in Higher and Post-Secondary Education from Arizona State University. She is currently pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Mathematics from WNMU.

Bunker and her husband, Mark Bunker, WNMU Head Men's Basketball Coach, moved to Silver City in 2023. They have two children, Claire (9) and James (6).