We, the undersigned UTEP fans, alumni, students, and members of the El Paso community, believe that UTEP Athletics has fallen well below acceptable standards under the leadership of Athletic Director Jim Senter. Since his hiring in 2017, UTEP has failed to show meaningful progress in its flagship programs, has repeatedly made questionable hiring and extension decisions, and has not restored the winning culture Miner Nation deserves.

For these reasons, we call for the removal of Jim Senter and the hiring of new leadership committed to accountability, competitiveness, and long-term athletic success.

Key Reasons for Removal

1. Continued Decline of UTEP Men’s Basketball

Jim Senter extended Joe Golding despite:

A 70–63 record
0 conference championships
0 NCAA Tournament appearances
Four seasons without meaningful competitiveness

The extension was granted even though it was clear new leadership was needed and despite widespread fan frustration and declining support.
This decision further set back UTEP’s ability to rebuild a once-proud basketball program.

2. Poor Hiring Process for UTEP Football

Senter hired Scotty Walden, a coach widely viewed as the least prepared and least qualified among the available candidates.

Multiple stronger, more proven, and more experienced applicants were available, yet UTEP chose an underqualified option for one of the most crucial positions in the department.
UTEP football remains one of the toughest jobs in the country, yet the hire did not match the scale or seriousness required.

3. Lack of Competitive Success Across Major Programs

Under Jim Senter’s leadership since 2017:

UTEP Football:

0 Conference USA championships
Only one bowl appearance
Continued bottom-tier performance and national irrelevance

UTEP Men’s Basketball:

0 Conference USA championships
0 NCAA Tournament appearances
No forward momentum during his tenure

The two flagship programs that define an athletic department have not improved in eight years under Senter.

4. Declining Fan Support and Disconnect With the Community

Repeated losing seasons have driven fans away, leading to some of the lowest attendance numbers in program history.

Poor decision-making and lack of transparency have created a growing divide between the athletic department and Miner Nation.
The community deserves leadership that inspires pride, not apathy.

UTEP Athletics is a cornerstone of El Paso pride, culture, and identity. After nearly a decade of stagnation, poor decisions, and lack of progress, it is clear that new leadership is needed to restore competitiveness and rebuild trust.

For the future of the program and the community, we respectfully demand that UTEP remove Jim Senter as Athletic Director and initiate a national search for a leader capable of returning Miner Athletics to excellence.