UA Little Rock hires Frank Cuervo as new athletic director

University of Arkansas at Little Rock Chancellor Christina Drale announced Monday (March 25) that Frank M. Cuervo as its new Director of Athletics for the Little Rock Trojans.

Cuervo brings a 26-year career in intercollegiate athletics, marked by leadership roles across all Division I institutions – FBS, FCS, and I-AAA. He has served in senior level administrative, fundraising and comprehensive revenue generating roles at UAB, Missouri State, Indiana and Missouri.

“Frank Cuervo is uniquely qualified to lead Little Rock Trojans Athletics into the future,” said Drale. “His extensive experience, coupled with a proven track record of success in enhancing athletic programs and developing strong community and university relationships, makes him the ideal choice for this critical role.”

Before joining UA Little Rock, Cuervo served as the Deputy Director of Athletics/Chief Revenue Officer at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), where he was involved in community engagement, driving revenue, fundraising, and building championship-caliber programs. His efforts contributed to significant growth in ticket sales, donor engagement, and overall athletic success.

“On behalf of my wife, Michelle, and my son, Nathan, I want to thank Chancellor Drale and the search committee for the incredible opportunity to come to Little Rock to lead the Trojan Athletics program,” Cuervo said. “We are thrilled to be here and look forward to becoming ingrained in the Central Arkansas community.”

Some of his notable career successes include securing invitations to join prestigious conferences, spearheading facility upgrades, and boosting academic achievement among student-athletes.

“UA Little Rock is an institution, and an athletics program, that is on the rise, and I welcome the opportunity to work with our supporters to shape its future. We want to build a program the people of Arkansas can be proud of, striving for comprehensive excellence in the classroom, in the community, and in competition, as we compete for championships and place the Trojans on a national stage,” Cuervo said.

“I am eager to partner with our 275 talented student-athletes, our elite group of head coaches, and the entire athletics and campus administration, as we utilize athletics as a vehicle to highlight all the incredible things happening at this world-class institution. The future for Little Rock has never been brighter. Go Trojans,” he added.

Cuervo holds a Master of Arts in Education with a specialization in Sport Management from The Ohio State University and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Public Relations from the University of Florida, where he was also a walk-on member of the baseball program.

“I would also like to thank George Lee for his diligent and dedicated service as our Athletic Director these last four years,” said Drale. “During his tenure, he has helped lead the athletic department through the rapidly changing landscape of NCAA college athletics including conference realignment, the development of the transfer portal, and growth in name image and likeness. We look forward to his continued contributions to our community.”