Andrew Ehling will begin as Highlands’ new athletic director March 1.
LAS VEGAS, NM – When Andrew Ehling thinks about his past, he is grateful to have a long list of coaches and mentors who have helped him become the person he is today.
“I’ve been blessed being surrounded by great people and great leaders,” Ehling said.
Ehling, who will be Highlands University’s next athletic director, said he will bring the spirit of mentorship he’s experienced to his position.
“I can’t wait to get started,” he said. “To me it’s important to both challenge and support student athletes. The dynamic is challenging, but that’s when you build those relationships that help them achieve their academic, athletic and social goals.”
Ehling comes to Highlands University from McPherson College in Kansas, where he serves as the director of athletics. During his four-year tenure at the college, Ehling has helped raise more than $500,000 in 2018-19 for the program, maintained a strong retention rate for student-athletes, and saw several championship firsts for the college.
Ehling said building a strong athletics program at Highlands will be a team effort.
“There’s a lot of work to do, and that’s exciting to me” he said. “There’s tremendous opportunity to elevate Highlands from an athletics perspective.”
Highlands President Sam Minner said he is looking forward to a new chapter in Highlands athletics.
“Andrew will be joining a program built on the foundation of many people’s passion, grit and dedication,” Minner said. “I hope the community is as excited as I am by his arrival.”
Ehling said he wanted to work at Highlands because of the opportunity and surrounding area.
“My family loves to be outdoors, and we’re looking forward to the many options in New Mexico,” he said. “Everyone I came across was so genuine and made me feel at home. I also love the green chile.”
Before assuming the athletic director role at McPherson College, Ehling coached baseball teams at McPherson, the University of Central Missouri, Odessa College and served as the student assistant baseball coach at Kansas State University.
Ehling plans to begin his role as Highlands’ athletic director by March 1. The firm Athletics Staffing & Consulting assisted Highlands with the search.