SAN ANTONIO -- The University of the Incarnate Word has announced J.R. Pulido as the university's interim athletic director. Salvineo (Sal) Cervantes has assumed the role of interim deputy athletic director for student well-being.

Pulido and Cervantes' appointments are effective as of July 16, after the departure of former Athletic Director Richard Duran from the university.

Pulido has worked in leadership roles at Incarnate Word since 2021, most recently serving as senior associate athletic director for administration. 

"One of the core values of the University of the Incarnate Word is service, and I am honored to serve the university as Interim Athletic Director," Pulido said. "I look forward to continuing to work alongside our campus partners, coaches, and staff to provide an exceptional student-athlete experience while advancing the mission and success of UIW Athletics. I am grateful to UIW President, Dr. Thomas M. Evans, and Vice President for Strategy and Enrollment John Bury for their trust and confidence in our Athletics Senior Staff and me."

In Pulido's role as Senior Associate Athletic Director for Administration, he served as the sport administrator for the Cardinal football, men's basketball, baseball and track and field programs. He is also the athletic department's Title IX coordinator.

Pulido was recently selected to be a part of the NCAA's prestigious Pathway Program for the 2026-27 year. He was one of 21 administrators selected to the leadership development program designed to prepare administrators for executive-level leadership roles within intercollegiate athletics.

Before he arrived in San Antonio, Pulido made stops at the University of Kansas, University of Southern California and University of Arkansas.

Cervantes graduated from the university with both his bachelor's and master's degrees and has worked at UIW since 2017, most recently serving as senior associate athletic director for student well-being. 

While serving as senior associate athletic director for student well-being, Cervantes oversaw initiatives that supported the health and safety of all UIW student-athletes. He is also a member of the senior staff within the athletics department, where he assists the athletic director in helping make departmental decisions that positively impact student-athletes both immediately and in the future. 

"I am looking forward to taking on this new role," Cervantes said. "I am very excited to assist JR in leading UIW Athletics!"