“I’m extremely excited to join the NM State Athletics team in this new role,” Heinrich said. “I look forward to meeting and personally thanking our supporters, not only in Las Cruces and New Mexico, but around the nation. New Mexico State is a great university and its Athletics Department plays a special part in getting fans involved and supporting our hard working coaches and student-athletes.”
“I am pleased to welcome Fred to the Athletics Department and look forward to working with him to grow fundraising efforts in support of our outstanding student-athletes, coaches and programs,” Athletics Director McKinley Boston said.
Heinrich has been part of the NM State family since April of 2013 when he was named Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, part of the New Mexico State University Foundation. As a director for the Foundation, Heinrich implemented streamlined procedures for preparing and submitting grant requests to donors and prospects while ensuring appropriate stewardship.
Heinrich worked with all colleges and several other academic units at the university to prepare and submit grant proposals to numerous corporate and foundation donors or prospects. During this time, Heinrich had a major hand in bringing in new donors and gaining major donations from current donors. He also has served on the Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink Leadership Committee.
From 1999-2001, Heinrich was an assistant dean for development at the University of Illinois College of Law, working as one of the top advisers to the dean. During his time at UI-Law, he revitalized a slumbering alumni and development program, securing several major gift donations and strengthening alumni loyalty. Heinrich previously worked at the university as an adjunct professor from 1993-95, while developing his law practice.
Heinrich first worked for a university as part of the University of Illinois, Office of University Counsel from 1987-93. As a special assistant to the president of the Big Ten Athletic Conference Affairs Counsel, he counseled academic and administrative units on campus on legal issues while also representing the University on NCAA compliance matters and business issues for the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics. Heinrich would later be selected to serve in a support role to the chair of the Council of Ten (the group of Big Ten presidents and chancellors), aiding on academic, athletic and business matters.
Heinrich received his bachelor’s in finance from the University of Illinois, graduating Cum Laude with Distinction. He also earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois, graduating second in his class and Summa Cum Laude.
“I’ve been coming to Las Cruces for more than 20 years and love the community and NMSU,” Heinrich said. “My wife, Lori, grew up in Las Cruces and we love being here. We’ve put down roots and have met a lot of great people. I appreciate everything that the community does for NMSU and Aggie Athletics and look forward to thanking people personally for all their support.”