Campus Rec Podcast

Episode 36: Relational Leadership in Action with MIT's Stephanie Smith by Campus Rec Magazine

In this episode of the Supplier Voice podcast, Lauren Gilbert, the CEO of Arly, shares how her organization is redefining youth program management for campus recreation departments. Drawing from 30 years of research-backed experience, Gilbert explains how Arly is helping universities streamline complex programming needs through one powerful platform.

Episode 35: From Japan to Missouri, Ashleigh Lewellen Shares Her Unscripted Path to Leadership by Campus Rec Magazine

Welcome to the Director Download, powered by Campus Rec Magazine. It's time to go behind the curtain of the director role and have honest discussions with leaders in the campus recreation industry.    In this episode, host Grady Sheffield, the director of Campus Recreation at Towson University and senior advisor to Campus Rec Magazine, chats with Lynn Thompson, the senior director of Recreation and Wellbeing at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) Lynne Thompson didn't always see herself as a director. But through maximizing every role she stepped into and building a career grounded in mentorship, psychological safety, and team development, she's become a leader shaping the future of campus recreation. Thompson and Sheffield cover everything from building a culture of psychological safety and empowering staff, to navigating professional boundaries and growing wellness-focused programming. Thompson's people-first leadership style and passion for continuous improvement offer practical insights for anyone seeking to strengthen their team and drive student success. So, whether you're looking to enhance your leadership approach, better support your staff, or gain inspiration for the future of recreation and well-being, this episode is full of valuable lessons you can put into practice today. Enjoy!

In this episode, host Grady Sheffield, the director of Campus Recreation at Towson University and senior advisor to Campus Rec Magazine, sits down with Jeff Keenan, the director of Rec Sports at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Keenan's journey through campus recreation has taken him across the country, from outdoor adventures in Wisconsin to leadership roles on the East Coast. His career path is a testament to adaptability, professional growth and the power of student development in recreation.

In this podcast episode, Dan Sawyer, the CEO of Brock USA, shares his 25-year journey of pioneering athlete safety, sustainability and innovation in the sports field industry. From founding Brock USA in 1998 to revolutionizing shock pad technology, Sawyer discusses his passion for data-driven solutions and the drive to protect athletes on artificial turf fields. The conversation explores: • Key Challenges in Campus Rec: Managing aging infrastructure, balancing budgets, and addressing sustainability demands. • Innovations in Artificial Turf: How technological advancements are addressing misconceptions about artificial turf's environmental impact and safety. • Sustainability Trends: The shift away from microplastics and the rise of organic infill solutions driven by European regulations. • Real-World Solutions: Case studies from Ohio State and the University of Michigan highlight how Brock USA's products enhance safety, sustainability, and long-term field durability. Sawyer reflects on the importance of safety, sustainability and innovation, emphasizing campus rec professionals play a crucial role in providing quality facilities for students. His commitment to environmental responsibility and athlete protection is evident in every project Brock USA undertakes.

Episode 32: Alex Rich at Moraine Valley Community College by Campus Rec Magazine

In this episode, host Grady Sheffield, the director of Campus Recreation at Towson University and senior advisor to Campus Rec Magazine, sits down with Troy Vaughn, the senior director of Campus Recreation at the University of Arizona. Vaughn's 35-year career has been filled with passion, professional growth and a commitment to making a difference in students' lives. He shares his journey from graduate assistantship at Indiana University to leadership roles at Southeast Missouri State, SIU Carbondale and now the University of Arizona.

Michele Muth's path into campus rec wasn't your typical route. As such, she's got some insights on how she's using her business savvy to run a thriving rec center. Even better is that she shares them in this episode of the Director Download, with your host Grady Sheffield, the director of Campus Recreation at Towson University and the senior advisor to Campus Rec Magazine. Muth, the director of Campus Recreation, CENTERS at Marshall University, and Sheffield talk about everything from budget juggling and facility management to boosting student engagement. Muth's unique approach blends business with recreation in a way that's super practical, especially if you're looking to run your department more efficiently while keeping your students at the heart of everything you do. So, whether you're trying to improve staff retention, streamline your operations, or just get some fresh leadership inspiration, this episode is packed with tips you can start using right away. Enjoy!

In this episode, host Grady Sheffield, the director of Campus Recreation at Towson University and the senior advisor to Campus Rec Magazine, gives you the listener real and authentic conversation between himself and special guest Felicia Tittle, the executive director of Recreation and Physical Education at Duke University. Tittle, known for her impactful leadership and unique career journey, shares insights on her path from a non-traditional background to becoming a leader in campus recreation. She discusses her educational background, her time working as a correctional officer and probation officer, and how those roles shaped her approach to leadership. In addition, Tittle highlights the importance of patience, emotional intelligence and intentionality in fostering a healthy culture within her department. Tittle also reflects on the challenges and politics of leading in higher education and her commitment to creating inclusive and transformative recreational spaces. Throughout the conversation, Tittle's dedication to her team and her mission to impact lives positively shines through, offering valuable lessons on leadership, personal growth and community engagement.

In this episode, host Grady Sheffield, the director of Campus Recreation at Towson University and the senior advisor to Campus Rec Magazine, gives you the listener real and authentic conversation between himself and special guest Andrew Reddish, the director of The WELL at Sacramento State University. Reddish, who grew up in Northern California, shares his journey from a small town to his current role at Sacramento State. He talks about his educational background and how his passion for sports and fitness shaped his career. Reddish explains the unique model of The WELL, which integrates recreation and health services under one roof, and how this setup enhances student wellness. The discussion delves into Reddish's various roles and experiences, from refereeing intramural sports to overseeing recreational therapy and staff development. He emphasizes the importance of customer service, brand building and the transferable skills he gained through his marketing studies. Reddish also reflects on the challenges and rewards of being a director, highlighting the importance of vulnerability, continuous learning and team building. Throughout the episode, Reddish's dedication to campus recreation and his human-centered leadership approach shine through. He shares valuable insights on balancing professional responsibilities, fostering a supportive team environment, and making a positive impact on students' lives. Enjoy the conversation that follows.

Welcome to the Director Download, powered by Campus Rec Magazine.  It's time to go behind the curtain of the director role and have honest discussions with leaders in the campus recreation industry.    In this episode, host Grady Sheffield, the director of Campus Recreation at Towson University and the senior advisor to Campus Rec Magazine, gives you the listener real and authentic conversation between himself and special guest Shelbi Long, the director of recreation at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn). Long shares her journey from her athletic roots at Lock Haven University, through various roles within campus recreation, to her current position at UPenn. She delves into her transition from athlete to administrator, the influence of mentorship on her career and her approach to leadership — which prioritizes people first and looks to foster strong relationships. Moreover, Long discusses the complexities of operating within the Ivy League environment, emphasizing the unique challenges and the strategic necessity of being adaptable and resilient. As Long approaches significant milestones in her career, she reflects on the evolution of her roles and the broader implications for campus recreation leadership, providing valuable insights for current and aspiring directors in the field. Enjoy this conversation that offers a glimpse into the life of a campus recreation director.

In this episode of the Campus Rec Magazine podcast, supplier voice edition, Heather Hartmann, the editor of Campus Rec Magazine, sits down with Carter Collins, the owner and director of operations and education at IFTA, to discuss the future of fitness and wellness, how both areas can be integrated, ways to utilize digital tools and technology, and more.

Welcome to the Director Download, powered by Campus Rec Magazine.  It's time to go behind the curtain of the director role and have honest discussions with leaders in the campus recreation industry.    In this episode, host Grady Sheffield, the director of Campus Recreation at Towson University and the senior advisor to Campus Rec Magazine, gives you the listener real and authentic conversation between himself and special guest Maureen McGonagle, the director of Campus Recreation, CENTERS LLC at DePaul University. McGonagle is a campus rec legend and walks listeners back to how she first entered the field. She discusses what CENTERS is and how it's impacted the industry. Plus, McGonagle shares with Sheffield on what makes DePaul different and why she's been so involved in NIRSA, although she initially couldn't get elected to save her life. Finally, with her impending retirement in July 2024, McGonagle reflects on the evolution of challenges as a director and how she wants to be remembered. Enjoy their conversation.

Welcome to the Director Download, powered by Campus Rec Magazine.  It's time to go behind the curtain of the director role and have honest discussions with leaders in the campus recreation industry.    In this episode, host Grady Sheffield, the director of Campus Recreation at Towson University and the senior advisor to Campus Rec Magazine, gives you the listener real and authentic conversation between himself and special guest Scott Haines, the director of campus recreation at SUNY Brockport. Haines walks Sheffield through how he came to SUNY Brockport, which started with a question concerning hockey. With that — and a great first experience at NIRSA — he was sold on the industry. Finding his footing in campus recreation, Haines details what has made him the most successful as a director, the two-percent of the job he doesn't like and the one thing he was afraid of stepping into the role. Finally, he shares on opening a new facility and why he doesn't think you should delay. Enjoy the conversation between Haines and Sheffield.

In this episode of the Campus Rec Magazine podcast, supplier voice edition, host Heather Hartmann, the editor of Campus Rec Magazine, sits down with Ruben Mejia, the executive vice president of SportsArt America.

Welcome to the Director Download, powered by Campus Rec Magazine.  It's time to go behind the curtain of the director role and have honest discussions with leaders in the campus recreation industry.    In this episode, host Grady Sheffield, the director of Campus Recreation at Towson University and the senior advisor to Campus Rec Magazine, gives you the listener real and authentic conversation between himself and special guest Scott Flickinger, the director of Recreational Sports at SUNY Cortland. Flickinger shares how he found his way to campus rec at SUNY Cortland. He had a challenging internship, a dual role at Cornell and a moment of bargaining over a cowboy hat with a legendary director along the way. In addition, Flickinger shares what he's learned as a director and the interpersonal skill that have helped him lead. Enjoy the conversation between Sheffield and Flickinger as they discuss the director's role and more.

Welcome to the Director Download, powered by Campus Rec Magazine. It's time to go behind the curtain of the director role and have honest discussions with leaders in the campus recreation industry. In this episode, host Grady Sheffield, the director of Campus Recreation at Towson University and the senior advisor to Campus Rec Magazine, gives you the listener real and authentic conversation between himself and special guest Chris Arvin, the executive director of Indiana University (IU). Arvin shares how he first came to IU and the special day he spent on campus. After grad school, he found himself working with folks in cardiac and pulmonary rehab at a small regional hospital. Over time and through other roles, he came to realize he loved working with students. A job at IU came open in campus rec and Arvin applied. The rest, as they say, is history. Arvin and Sheffield dive into Arvin's time at IU and serving as the executive director. They look at the current facilities and staffing set-up, to sending all staff through the NIRSA for Recreation and Wellbeing course. Arvin also shares how he's thriving in his role today and what he wants people to say about him when his role at IU is all said and done. Enjoy the conversation that follows!

In this episode of the Campus Rec Magazine podcast, supplier voice edition, host Heather Hartmann, the editor of Campus Rec Magazine, sits down with Emily Parris, a senior associate at Sasaki.

Welcome to the Director Download, powered by Campus Rec Magazine. It's time to go behind the curtain of the director role and have honest discussions with leaders in the campus recreation industry. In this episode, host Grady Sheffield, the director of Campus Recreation at Towson University and the senior advisor to Campus Rec Magazine, gives you the listener real and authentic conversation between himself and special guest D.J. Preston, the director of Recreation and Wellness at Radford University. Preston shares how an injury while playing football eventually led him to campus rec and the career he now pursues. He speaks on his time at Texas State, how he came to see campus rec as a career and a call that he got from Ali Cross that changed his life. He also shares on moving from a sports club coordinator to a senior associate director, and how he became a director after applying for it again, having turned down the job offer the first time. Sheffield also has Preston discuss leading through culture change, avoiding burnout and the biggest surprise of being a director.

Welcome to the Director Download, powered by Campus Rec Magazine. It's time to go behind the curtain of the director role and have honest discussions with leaders in the campus recreation industry. In this episode, host Grady Sheffield, the director of Campus Recreation at Towson University and the senior advisor to Campus Rec Magazine, gives you the listener real and authentic conversation between himself and special guest Steve Thompson, the director of Campus Recreation at the University of Montana. Thompson is an outdoors guy at heart. With a plethora of experience guiding trips and outdoor jobs, he eventually found himself in Texas, pursuing a career in campus recreation at Sam Houston State University. He gained experience, took trips around the world and realized the outdoor gig just didn't fit with having a two-year-old at home. Transitioning from outdoors programming to an associate director role proved challenging. As such, he looked for other opportunities and ended up at the University of Montana. Having been there since, he shares what Montana has to offer, how his previous experiences outside of campus rec have made him a better leader and what he loves most about his job. Plus, he gives advice to other directors in the field. Enjoy the conversation between Sheffield and Thompson.

Welcome to the Director Download, powered by Campus Rec Magazine. It's time to go behind the curtain of the director role and have honest discussions with leaders in the campus recreation industry. In this episode, host Grady Sheffield, the director of Campus Recreation at Towson University and the senior advisor to the Campus Rec Mastermind Groups, gives you the listener real and authentic conversation between himself and special guest Jen Gudaz, the senior associate director of Athletics and the director of Physical Education and Recreation at Cornell University. Growing up on the West Coast, Gudaz learned much from her experiences there, becoming a jack of all trades. Moving east, she began her work at Cornell and hasn't looked back since. Gudaz shares on the Physical Education and Recreation programs at Cornell and all they offer. In terms of leadership, over the years she's learned not only how to lead from a place of compassion but also about what makes her a successful leader. She wears many hats, but the most surprising one deals with a sorority — you'll have to listen to find out. Plus, Gudaz shares what her biggest challenge is right now, how she deals with her own mental well-being, and whether or not she's a rebel.

Welcome to the Director Download, powered by Campus Rec Magazine. It's time to go behind the curtain of the director role and have honest discussions with leaders in the campus recreation industry. In this episode, host Grady Sheffield, the director of Campus Recreation at Towson University and the senior advisor to the Campus Rec Mastermind Groups, gives you the listener real and authentic conversation between himself and special guest Rob Simels, the associate director of Student Life and Recreation and Wellness at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ). Simels dives into what inspired him to get into campus recreation and the first director role he had. Through the years, he's found himself gaining experience from smaller schools, juggling being a new parent and the opening of a facility, and starting a program at TCNJ that is his pride and joy. Finally, at the end of the conversation, Simels shares some big news as to what lies ahead for him. As you listen, note the changes that have impacted him and how to apply the two pieces of advice he shares for aspiring directors.

Welcome to the Director Download, powered by Campus Rec Magazine. It's time to go behind the curtain of the director role and have honest discussions with leaders in the campus recreation industry. In this episode, host Grady Sheffield, the director of Campus Recreation at Towson University and the senior advisor to the Campus Rec Mastermind Groups, gives you the listener real and authentic conversation between himself and special guest Kirsten Schumacher, the director of University Recreation (UREC) at Seattle University. During the conversation that follows, Schumacher tells how she got involved in campus recreation and the path that took her to Seattle University where she is today. She shares about a few big leadership changes that happened right before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Plus, she dives into the effects the pandemic had on UREC as well as the celebration that took place in their reopening. Schumacher also reveals some unusual programming that's apart of UREC — including intramural baking and Movement for Healing. Finally, Sheffield asks the question, “What brings you joy as a director?” Listen to their conversation for her answer.

Welcome to the Director Download, powered by Campus Rec Magazine. It's time to go behind the curtain of the director role and have honest discussions with leaders in the campus recreation industry. In this episode, host Grady Sheffield, the director of Campus Recreation at Towson University and the senior advisor to the Campus Rec Mastermind Groups, gives you the listener real and authentic conversation between himself and special guest Mary O'Mahoney, the director of the Student Recreation Center at California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB). Originally from Illinois, O'Mahoney found herself venturing further and further West over the years, finally landing at CSUB where she has been the director ever since. She chats about her journey and what sold her on moving to Bakersfield — and how she convinced other staff to move across the nation to join her. O'Mahoney shares about the bike offerings at CSUB as well as the impact that COVID-19 had on her both personally and professionally. In addition, she addresses turnover, navigating campus politics and the lack of desire for working far from home professionals have nowadays. Finally, learn one thing O'Mahoney wishes she had known prior to becoming a director. Enjoy!

Welcome to the Director Download, powered by Campus Rec Magazine. It's time to go behind the curtain of the director role and have honest discussions with leaders in the campus recreation industry. In this episode, host Grady Sheffield, the director of Campus Recreation at Towson University and the senior advisor to the Campus Rec Mastermind Groups, gives you the listener real and authentic conversation between himself and special guest Marcus Jackson, the director of Campus Recreation at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. Jackson has been in higher ed for quite some time, but not all of it has been spent in campus recreation. He and Sheffield discuss this and the takeaways that have come from outside-the-industry experience. Further on in the conversation, Jackson shares on the team at Illinois and what makes them standout. He also pulls back the curtain on imposter syndrome, owning your vulnerability as a leader and what makes him thrive in his role as the director of Campus Recreation.

Welcome to the Director Download, powered by Campus Rec Magazine. It's time to go behind the curtain of the director role and have honest discussions with leaders in the campus recreation industry. In this episode, host Grady Sheffield, the director of campus recreation at Towson University and the senior advisor to the Campus Rec Mastermind Groups, gives you the listener real and authentic conversation between himself and special guest David Davenport, the director at Austin Peay State University (APSU). With almost 30 years in the field, Davenport has seen and experienced a lot. He shares about his journey into campus recreation and finding his place at APSU. Plus, Davenport dives into his time as the NIRSA president. Leading through COVID-19, George Floyd and more was challenging. He gets real and shares how that time impacted his experience as a director. Finally, Davenport shares about his experience at the Campus Rec Leadership Summit and advice to directors who are looking to continue to grow. Enjoy the discussion that follows.

Welcome to the Director Download, powered by Campus Rec Magazine. It's time to go behind the curtain of the director role and have honest discussions with leaders in the campus recreation industry. In this episode, host Grady Sheffield, the director of campus recreation at Towson University and the senior advisor to the Campus Rec Mastermind Groups, gives you the listener real and authentic conversation between himself and special guest George Brown, the assistant vice provost and the director of University Recreation and Wellness at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. As they chat, Brown shares how he found his way from Trinity University to Minnesota where he resides today. Through the years he's learned the impact of campus rec is more profound than the campus community itself. Brown also shares on the tornado that hit in 2011 and campus rec's role in shifting to serve the community by becoming a shelter. He also dives into how his team has bought into the purpose-driven experience. Finally, Brown shares the things he thinks aspiring assistant directors who want to get to the director level need to know. And if you're wondering what's next for Brown, and how humility is the key to it all, tune into the conversation that follows.

Welcome to the Director Download, powered by Campus Rec Magazine. It's time to go behind the curtain of the director role and have honest discussions with leaders in the campus recreation industry. In this episode, host Grady Sheffield, the director of campus recreation at Towson University and the senior advisor to the Campus Rec Mastermind Groups, gives you the listener real and authentic conversation between himself and special guest Laurie Braden, the executive director of University Recreation a Louisiana State University (LSU). With 30-plus years under her belt in the industry, Braden has found herself learning along the way. Whether it's the challenge that was the COVID-19 pandemic, to the things she wouldn't do differently, Braden gets vulnerable in sharing her takeaways. Plus, she goes into detail about the program Research in the Rec and how the “every campus is a park” mentality is changing the way UREC does things. All in all, the department is driven by service and the word “play” which Braden talks about in-depth. As you listen to the following conversation, get involved yourself. Ask what you can take away from it to apply to your leadership, department and more today.

Spectrum Industries is helping esports evolve within campus recreation. In this episode of the Campus Rec Magazine podcast, Rico Francis, the president of Campus Rec Magazine and Peake Media, sits down with Scott Dorn, the executive vice president of sales and marketing at Spectrum Industries. They chat about the company's ability to help onsite at universities across the nation, as well as what trends and evolutions Dorn is seeing in esports.

Welcome to the Director Download, powered by Campus Rec Magazine. It's time to go behind the curtain of the director role and have honest discussions with leaders in the campus recreation industry. In this episode, host Grady Sheffield, the director of campus recreation at Towson University and the senior advisor to the Campus Rec Mastermind Groups, gives you the listener real and authentic conversation between himself and special guest Kim Scott, the director of Campus Recreation at Baylor University. Scott didn't start off pursuing recreation — but she did start at Baylor. She shares how she found herself suddenly in the campus recreation industry, building a department from scratch. It has led her to where she is today: a changed leader who has learned that relationships and a business mindset are essential for the director role. As you listen to the following conversation, reflect on how you have changed as a leader yourself. And, ask how recreation can give the next generation what it needs as Scott talks about. You might be surprised what you come up with.

Aktiv is creating unique spaces in the campus rec industry that feel like drop-in boutique experiences. But what exactly does that look like and how is the company achieving this? In this episode of the Campus Rec Magazine podcast, Rico Francis, the president and co-founder of Peake Media, sits down with Bryan Green, the founder and CEO of Aktiv Solutions, to chat more about who Aktiv is and how they are impacting the space of campus rec. They discuss how Green got into the fitness industry and founded Aktiv. Diving deeper, they assess what functional training/fitness really is, the creation of energy epicenters and how Aktiv starts projects with the beginning in mind.

Welcome to the Director Download, powered by Campus Rec Magazine. It's time to go behind the curtain of the director role and have honest discussions with leaders in the campus recreation industry. In this episode, host Grady Sheffield, the director of campus recreation at Towson University and the senior advisor to the Campus Rec Mastermind Groups, gives you the listener real and authentic conversation between himself and special guest Jocelyn Hill, the associate athletic director of recreation and aquatics facilities at American University (AU). With 23 years under her belt at AU, Hill has learned a lot about leadership, especially when it comes to adapting and pivoting. She shares with Sheffield how she's had to pivot in her thinking as a leader and about the challenges of managing people. Further on, Hill dives into managing up, her non-negotiables, a key issue campus rec is facing today and why your department should not be an amoeba.

Moody Nolan isn't just an architecture firm, and Troy Sherrard knows it. In this episode of the Campus Rec Magazine podcast, Rico Francis, the president and co-founder of Peake Media, sits down with Sherrard, a partner and practice design leader of Sports and Recreation at Moody Nolan. They talk about how Moody Nolan is different and unique in the realm of architecture firms. In addition, Sherrard shares how they are architects without egos. Plus, he dives into the impact their four unique pillars can have on campus rec directors. Finally, he shares his assessment on trends — especially when it comes to simulators — and the future of Moody Nolan.

Welcome to the Director Download, powered by Campus Rec Magazine. It's time to go behind the curtain of the director role and have honest discussions with leaders in the campus recreation industry. In this episode, host Grady Sheffield, the director of campus recreation at Towson University and the senior advisor to the Campus Rec Mastermind Groups, gives you the listener real and authentic conversation between himself and special guest Jorge Juarez, the executive director of Sun Devil Fitness at Arizona State University. Juarez shares about his humble beginnings and the road he took to finally leave Texas, finding himself at Arizona State. He and Sheffield also talk about the role of family and work-life balance. It started early in his career but has continued to be an important aspect of his role as a director, especially when it comes to overseeing four separate facilities on four distinct campuses. So whether it's moderating the 2023 Campus Rec Leadership Summit, diving into the realm of well-being or participating in the Hi How Are You Campaign, I hope you can hear in the following conversation how Juarez works to find a work-life balance amidst all he does.

Welcome to the Director Download, powered by Campus Rec Magazine. It's time to go behind the curtain of the director role and have honest discussions with leaders in the campus recreation industry. In this episode, host Grady Sheffield, the director of campus recreation at Towson University and the senior advisor to the Campus Rec Mastermind Groups, gives you the listener real and authentic conversation between himself and special guest Teri Bladen, the director of Weber State University. Putting herself through school, Bladen found soon that she loved working in campus recreation. Eventually, she would find herself at Weber State. Since her time there, well-being has evolved. A big part of that evolution has happened when it comes to professional and hourly staff. Whether it's tapping into their passions or being more flexible with uniforms, Bladen shares that if her staff are taken care of, so is she. As you listen, I challenge you to think through how you are serving your own staff's well-being. What suggestions or trains of thought can you take from the following conversation to improve the well-being of your own professional and hourly staff?

Welcome to the Director Download, powered by Campus Rec Magazine. It's time to go behind the curtain of the director role and have honest discussions with leaders in the campus recreation industry. In this episode, host Grady Sheffield, the director of campus recreation at Towson University and the senior advisor to the Campus Rec Mastermind Groups, gives you the listener real and authentic conversation between himself and special guest Greg Durham, the director of Recreation and Wellness at Creighton University. Durham found himself in the director's seat much quicker than he expected after a journey with various twists and turns. As such, he speaks to being a young and new director both at the university table and in his role as the NIRSA Region V rep. He and Sheffield chat about Durham's growth in handling decisions, the surprising thing he had to step away from as a director and overcoming imposter syndrome. I hope you enjoy the following conversation and walk away with new insight to fuel your own leadership growth.

Welcome to the Director Download, powered by Campus Rec Magazine. It's time to go behind the curtain of the director role and have honest discussions with leaders in the campus recreation industry. In this episode, host Grady Sheffield, the director of campus recreation at Towson University and the senior advisor to the Campus Rec Mastermind Groups, gives you the listener real and authentic conversation between himself and special guests, Silvia Chan and Jay Frain at the University of Connecticut (UConn). Chan and Frain have been working together at UConn for over 20 years. They've learned to work with one another's strengths and weaknesses, as well as candor and honesty. The working relationship they have reflects the team atmosphere at UConn Recreation as a whole. Chan and Frain share on how that culture has come about, the shared vision the team works together to form and why they each have stayed in the field. Plus, the conversation touches on generational differences when it comes to work and how to lead staff in those dissimilarities. Enjoy the honesty, the banter and more in the conversation that follows.

In this episode, host Grady Sheffield, the director of campus recreation at Towson University and the senior advisor to the Campus Rec Mastermind Groups, gives you the listener real and authentic conversation between himself and special guest, Laura Hall, the director of Recreational Sports at the University of Florida (UF). In this interview, Hall shares about the unorthodox way she entered campus recreation and the lessons she was able to pull from her unique past experiences — hint, it has to do with coaching. Eventually, she found herself at Penn State, creating a department through the years only to one day lead it during a pandemic. It was a tough experience and there are things she would have done differently. However, in need of a reset, she found her way to the University of Florida where she's taken well-being and flexibility to a new level. Listen to her lessons learned, experiences had and more in the conversation that follows.

In this episode, Grady Sheffield, the director of campus recreation at Towson University and the senior advisor to the Campus Rec Mastermind Groups, gives you the listener real and authentic conversation between himself and special guest, Steven Trotter, the director of well-being at East Carolina University and the founder of Globetrotter Wellness Solutions. His story starts as he set out to study pharmacy in college, but Trotter soon discovered campus rec along the way. As he fell in love with teaching fitness classes — and gained more and more responsibility — Trotter soon found himself deep in the industry. However, burnout eventually hit. As such, he shares about the twists and turns his life took to get him to where he is today — heading up well-being at ECU's forward-thinking campus while running his own consulting company. And in it all, his goal is to equip people with the tools so they too can be wildly successfully.

Host Grady Sheffield, the director of campus recreation at Towson University and the senior advisor to the Campus Rec Mastermind Groups, gives you the listener real and authentic conversation between himself and special guest, Tiffany Lomax, the director of Campus Recreation and Wellness Promotion at North Carolina Central University. Lomax's start in the industry happened before she even knew it and continued because of her desire to study abroad in South Korea. Soon, she found herself in the world of campus recreation, specifically in marketing at George Washington University. From there, the rest is history! However, during her time in campus rec Lomax has found herself in a profession where often people see a Black woman first before the rec professional part. She shares on facing microaggressions like comments made in reference to her coming from an HBCU to challenges like taking on a director role at a predominantly white institution in a predominantly white community in Maine. She gets real with some of the tough and painful conversations she's had with staff and leadership when it comes to equity, diversity and inclusion talks that didn't go well. Finally, Lomax speaks on belonging, the weight leaders carry and how she knew she was ready to be a director.

Welcome to the Director Download, powered by Campus Rec Magazine. It's time to go behind the curtain of the director role and have honest discussions with leaders in the campus recreation industry. In this episode, host Grady Sheffield, the director of campus recreation at Towson University and the senior advisor to the Campus Rec Mastermind Groups, holds a conversation with special guest, Ryan Hagen, associate athletic director at Yale University. Prior to Yale, Hagen was at the University of New Haven — and a part of CENTERS — for eight years. As such, he shares what it's like to work for CENTERS and the business acumen he gained from it. Now, he finds himself at the unique beast that is Yale, sharing what that looks like. Listen to the conversation to also find out what keeps Hagen up at night and how to develop a culture where employees stay.

Welcome to the Director Download, powered by Campus Rec Magazine. It's time to go behind the curtain of the director role and have honest discussions with leaders in the campus recreation industry. Host Grady Sheffield, the director of campus recreation at Towson University and the senior advisor to the Campus Rec Mastermind Groups, gives you the listener real and authentic conversation between himself and special guest, Rachael Finley, the director of York College of Pennsylvania. Finley gets honest about multiple things in her conversation with Sheffield. She shares on learning about Campus Rec Magazine and its Mastermind Groups' mission, to her real feelings like nothing mattered in the pandemic. Finley also discusses that hard-to-manage work-life balance, something that most directors can relate to. Finally, the power of trusting your future self is key as she points out in the discussion that follows.

Welcome to the Director Download, powered by Campus Rec Magazine. It's time to go behind the curtain of the director role and have honest discussions with leaders in the campus recreation industry. Host Grady Sheffield, the director of campus recreation at Towson University and the senior advisor to the Campus Rec Mastermind Groups, gives you the listener real and authentic conversation between himself and special guest, Josh Downing, the director of Recreation and Wellness at Butler University. With four years in his director role, and 16 at Butler, Downing has seen and experienced a lot. In fact, the well-being lens has led to a big shift in not only Butler's strategic plan, but in the ways Downing leads as well. He and Sheffield dive into their rich, intertwining history in campus recreation, the Okanagan Charter, and much more in the conversation that follows.

There's much more to an architecture firm then just designing spaces. Fawley Bryant takes this to heart by creating a culture internally that then permeates every project it's a part of. In this episode of the Campus Rec Magazine podcast, Rico Francis, the president and co-founder of Peake Media, sits down with Stu Henderson, a partner and the director of design at Fawley Bryant Architecture. They chat about how Henderson came into the world of architecture. Plus, they dive into the unique aspects of Fawley Bryant, the importance of team and culture, and what the future will hold. Music "Happy Dance" by Mr Smith: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/mr-smith/fredson-drive/happy-dance-1

Campus Rec Magazine started in 2015 with a simple mission: To provide best practice business resources that educate and empower campus rec professionals to succeed. It stemmed from the “Just cause” of our parent company, Peake Media: To increase healthy lifestyles by educating and empowering health and wellness professionals. However, Grady Sheffield, the director of campus recreation at Towson University, has been getting the questions, "Who is Campus Rec Magazine? Why are they here doing what they are doing?" from others in the industry. So, he asked Heather Hartmann, the managing editor, to share the heart behind the publication, its events and the latest edition, Mastermind Groups.

In this special Virtual Roundtable from Campus Rec Magazine, panelists were specifically looking to answer questions around how to initiate conversations about race and racism; defining and exhibiting “ally” on your campus; and practical steps to take to impact EDI via campus recreation. The Panel - Jocelyn Hill, the director of Recreational Sports and Fitness at American University - Vicki Highstreet, the associate director for Recreation Programming at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Kevin Marbury, the vice president for Student Life at the University of Oregon - Maureen McGonagle, the director of the Campus Recreation, Centers LLC at DePaul University - Myrum Washington-White, the director of Athletics at St. Cyril of Alexandria School How it works: The first 40 minutes of the roundtable are spent answering on the three predetermined topics above. After, the panel spent 20 minutes answering questions from the audience.

Here is Campus Rec Magazine's first ever Digital Roundtable! We discussed how to implement an esports program at your university. On the panel: David Kirk, the assistant director of esports at The University of Akron; Nicholas Singer, the assistant director of competitive sports at Vanderbilt University; and Dylan Wray, the recreation program specialist/esports coordinator at the University of North Texas. Listen to the experts dissect esports programs and answer your questions.