SILVER CITY, N.M. – Western New Mexico University Athletics has announced Shelby Turner as the department's new Assistant Athletic Director of Student Achievement.

"I am pleased to announce the addition of Shelby Turner and the creation of our athletic academic achievement program within the athletic department. Shelby, a former WNMU college golfer, has come to us from the financial aid department on campus, and already has a wealth of knowledge as it relates to student academic success," said Director of Athletics, Scott Noble.

"I am excited to be joining the WNMU Athletic Department to aid in Student Achievement," said Turner.

Working with all 11 intercollegiate sports teams offered at WNMU, Turner will oversee all admissions, financial aid, advising, and registration for the first two years of a student athlete's college life. She will also work closely with compliance, eligibility, and tutoring services for the Mustangs.

"The successes of our student-athletes are directly correlated with the services Mustang Athletics can provide. With the support of WNMU President, Dr. Joseph Shepard, we have now taken that next step toward continued athletic academic success, while also increasing retention and graduation rates within the athletic department," said Noble.

Holding the record for the lowest season average of 76.68 in WNMU Golf History, Turner knows how difficult it can be to find a balance between striving for academic success and competing in a sport.

"Our priority will always be focused on the 'student first,' and academic programing will continue to be at the top of the list for our student-athletes at Western New Mexico University" explains Noble. "Our student-athletes and their 'college experience' will be positively impacted by having a direct contact to someone with all the answers… all the time."

Shelby, native from Deming, NM, graduated from WNMU with her Bachelor's degree in Business Management and Marketing, and her Master's degree in Educational Leadership in May of 2021. 

Turner looks to be a huge influence in the success of student athletes saying "I'm eager to be an asset to Athletics and an advocate for all our incoming student-athletes to help navigate their way through college, reach their goals, and make their first years with our University a great experience." 

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Western New Mexico University is a member of the NCAA Division II, and the Lone Star Conference (LSC). For additional information regarding Mustang Athletics, visit www.wnmumustangs.com; visit wnmu.edu for more information about Western New Mexico University. Follow the Mustangs on social media: @WNMUathletics (Twitter & Instagram).