Deron Clark, NMJC Director of Athletics, Ends 10-Year Tenure at NMJC

New Mexico Junior College Director of Athletics Deron Clark has stepped down to pursue an opportunity at Murray State College in Tishomingo, Okla.

"New Mexico Junior College will always be a fond memory for my wife Saundra and me," NMJC Director of Athletics Deron Clark said. "The friends and experiences that we have been provided are a collaboration of outstanding institutional leadership, support, and commitment to success!"

Coach Clark has enjoyed incredible success since his arrival to Hobbs, NM in July of 2016. During this 10-year period, the athletic program has earned 18 National Championships along with 20 National Runners-up.

"Deron Clark has been every president's 'dream' Athletic Director," NMJC Interim President Cathy Mitchell said. "He leads with the highest level of integrity, consistently setting the standard for excellence both on and off the field. His impact extends far beyond wins and losses—he is a dedicated teacher, mentor, and advocate for our coaches and student-athletes. Deron has always championed both academic and athletic success, ensuring that student-athletes grow not only as competitors but as well-rounded individuals prepared for life beyond sports. Because of his leadership, our student-athletes are not just competing—they are truly excelling in their sports, their academics, and their futures. Deron will be deeply missed."

The Thunderbirds have hosted the four national championships during his tenure. NMJC hosted track & field nationals in 2019, 2023, and 2026. The T-Birds hosted men's golf in 2024. NMJC won national titles in each of the four years they hosted the championships.

This past week, NMJC hosted the 2026 NJCAA DI T&F Championships where both the men's and women's track & field teams won the national championship.

"NMJC Athletics provides the coaches, student athletes and staff with the best opportunities to build success in the classroom and on the field / court of competition which is showcased daily with the level of talent put on display in each of the seasons," Coach Clark said.

Along with the hosting opportunities, NMJC has added four sports to the athletic lineup in Clark's 10 years including volleyball, men's cross country, men's track & field, and women's golf. 

Coach Clark was extremely proud of NMJC's recent high finishes in the Ron Case Daktronics Cup. The trophy is an NJCAA season-long award that is given to the institutions who have excelled at the national level in athletics.

The Thunderbirds finished in fifth place in 2024-25, third place in 2023-24, and in fourth place in 2022-23. The T-Birds have also finished top 10 in the Ron Case Daktronics Cup for five consecutive years.

"The successes that we have been allowed to be a part of are so special and humbling," Coach Clark said. "Watching each player, coach, and staff member work to be the best in their craft each day, simply became the culture of this program."

NMJC has received several athletic upgrades in Clark's time with the college.

The Thunderbirds completed a 12,000 square foot, 1.5 million-dollar, indoor golf facility with putting surfaces, four driving bays with video analysis equipment, and two Track Man video automated performance labs in 2019.

The volleyball, men's and women's basketball facilities (Caster Activity Center) underwent a 17.5-million-dollar renovation during 2020-21 that included a lobby video wall, video score table, updated locker rooms, track team lounge, academic study lounge, and updated Hall of Fame showcase area. 

Ross Black Track received a 1.5 million-dollar upgrade in preparation of hosting the 2023 NJCAA National Outdoor Track and Field Championship. The baseball facility completed a 1.997 million-dollar facelift in 2026 adding exterior branding, a new sound system, and a state of the art press box.

Lastly, Clark has overseen the future expansion of the rodeo program. The Thunderbirds have completed a $750,000 upgrade adding 44 new stalls and have broken ground on an 8.6 million-dollar Show Barn (20,000 sq ft) on the west end of the indoor arena. Future projects include a 12.5 million-dollar Rodeo District Loop Road and a 15.5 million-dollar expansion of the indoor facility which will include offices and classrooms.

"Saundra and I step away from 10-years of building relationships that will last a lifetime, for that, we are forever grateful to NMJC and the city of Hobbs, NM," Coach Clark said.

Thank you Coach Clark for your service and dedication to New Mexico Junior College and the surrounding Hobbs community.