Shanna Halalilo, Jim Deisler promoted to lead HU Athletics
March 13, 2023
Shanna Halalilo
New Mexico Highlands University President Dr. Sam Minner has named Shanna Halalilo and Jim Deisler co-Directors of Athletics, effective Saturday, March 18. Halalilo and Deisler succeed Andrew Ehling, who concludes his tenure Friday, March 17.
“The combined creativity, experience, and dedication of Jim and Shanna positions NMHU Athletics to move forward into the future,” Minner said. “Both have my full and unequivocal support.”
Halalilo and Deisler have worked together in the NMHU Department of Athletics for the past five years. Halalilo is in her fifth year in NMHU’s Athletics Department and currently serves as the Associate Athletic Director for External Operations, a position she’s held since 2022. Deisler is in his ninth year as the Associate Athletic Director for Internal Operations and his 15th year overall at NMHU as he served as the head volleyball coach from 2008-11.
Halalilo came to NMHU in 2018 after coaching Women’s Basketball and working in Residence Life at Colorado Mesa University. Halalilo started out as the Student-Athlete Success coordinator in October of 2018 in the Athletic Department.
“I’ve really enjoyed working with Jim and he’s been a great mentor to me,” Halalilo said. “We both have very different skill sets and they cover a lot of ground. On a personal level. I am excited about the co-director status because I think it sets Highlands up for many future successes.”
Jim Deisler
Deisler served as NMHU’s interim athletic director in 2013-14 as well as handling his roles as compliance and Title IX coordinator. Prior to NMHU, Deisler was at Iowa Central Community College where he was the head volleyball coach at Iowa Central for three very successful seasons.
“We’ve worked well together for the past five years and it’s been great to see Shanna develop as an administrator,” Deisler said. We compliment each other well. Shanna is so good at external operations and I feel my strengths lie more in internal operations, which makes this a great fit for each of us but, more importantly, it’s great for the future of NMHU Athletics.”
“The new executive team in HU Athletics is well-positioned to achieve good outcomes,” Minner said. “Please join me in welcoming Shanna and Jim to their new roles. Go Cowgirls! Go Cowboys!”