New Mexico Highlands University is making waves in its pursuit of athletic and academic excellence through an exciting new recruitment initiative in American Samoa, specifically on the island of Tutuila.
A specialized team, comprised of representatives from Admissions, Athletics, School of Social Work, and the Office of the Registrar embarked on a mission to engage with local high schools, American Samoa Community College, and community leaders. This connection is particularly meaningful, as three of the NMHU representatives themselves grew up in American Samoa.
Their involvement not only enriched recruitment efforts but also created a welcoming atmosphere, allowing students from the islands to realize their potential for success.
The pride was evident in the voice of Cheryl Trujillo, an NMHU registrar’s office representative and American Samoa native. The Leone High School graduate, beautifully expressed her perspective: “Our engagement highlighted the commitment of NMHU to these students, their parents, and the broader community. We want everyone to feel comfortable and know they belong. We are dedicated to their success, both in the classroom and in their athletic pursuits.”
At the heart of this initiative is NMHU’s Purple and White Scholarship, which is an academic scholarship. To be eligible, applicants must maintain a minimum high school GPA of 3.0, demonstrating their academic commitment. Once awarded, recipients are required to uphold their performance by completing at least 15 credit hours each semester while achieving a minimum GPA of 2.5.
NMHU Athletic Director Shanna Halalilo explains that when it comes to the initiative, the team has simply found an ingenious way to align athletic recruitment goals with the university’s vision and long-term objectives of retention and graduation. “As a university, we are committed to being creative with our approaches to enhance enrollment that aim to benefit not only the athletic program but the entire university. This dual focus is essential for NMHU, where the athletic department recognizes that many of the island’s youth excel both on the field and in the classroom.”
NMHU School of Social Work Assistant Professor and Faculty Athletic Representative Dr. Ben Bencomo highlighted the Purple and White Scholarship as a commitment to academic excellence. He also noted that it represents “our broader dedication to supporting students through NMHU’s comprehensive offerings, which include academic resources, health services, and opportunities for involvement in campus activities beyond sports, such as local churches and career services.”
To promote this initiative, over the course of just one week, NMHU representatives visited nine high schools and participated in twenty-four recruitment events that showcased NMHU’s offerings.
Highlands Linebacker Coach and Co-Special Teams Coordinator Ben Langford, a graduate of Kanana Fou High School in the village of Pekesa, never imagined he would have the chance to return home and create opportunities for students who are in the same place he once was, “I had so many productive conversations where I was able to share the resources that Highlands has to offer, which is key to retaining recruits and ensuring their success. My own experience growing up there helped me better understand the needs of these young students and their families.”
This sentiment was echoed by Highlands Head Football Coach, Kurt Taufa’asau, a proud graduate of Samoana High School in the village of Utulei, who emphasized the significance of trust, “Trust is a vital aspect of American Samoan culture, and engaging with parents and community members is a cornerstone of this initiative.”
Since the launch of this program, interest has surged, resulting in an influx of applications and numerous successful admissions to NMHU.
Benito Pacheco, Associate Vice President of Student Enrollment Management, pointed to these results as very positive feedback: “We have received strong enthusiasm for the university. Our strategy not only focuses on athletics but is also dedicated to nurturing academic excellence across all disciplines.”
Reflecting on the optimism that all of the NMHU representatives felt following the successful trip, President Woolf was pleased with the promise of this initiative. “As we forge connections with American Samoa, the potential for growth and collaboration is immense. We want to open doors to unprecedented opportunities, not just for athletes, but for all prospective students, ensuring they have the resources and support needed for a well-rounded educational experience.”
