University of Phoenix graduate Julio Freire has been named deputy athletic director for external affairs at the University of Pittsburgh.

Friere, who earned a master's degree in counseling from the University of Phoenix in 1997, is  a former educator and athletic director at UNLV and the University of Arizona with a proven track history in fundraising. He will overlook a broad gamut of publicity affairs for the University of Pittsburgh, including fundraising, ticket sales, marketing, branding, multimedia rights, licensing and merchandising.

"Julio brings a fresh perspective as well as a tremendous work ethic to Pitt athletics," University of Pittsburgh Athletic Director Scott Barnes said. "He will provide key leadership as we continue our departmental reorganization. In addition to overseeing our external functions, Julio will have a particular focus on our athletic development operations. His overall experience and passion for collegiate athletics will be a great asset for our entire department."

While serving Arizona high schools, Freire worked in a variety of roles, from teacher, counselor and principal to coach and athletic director. A cross-country and track athlete as an undergraduate at Arizona State, he earned his bachelor’s in education, followed by his master’s from the University of Phoenix.

Freire most recently served a two-year stint as University of Tennessee-Martin’s athletic director.