The 2016–2017 NIRSA Assembly members begin their term

The NIRSA Assembly, a leadership group made up of NIRSA professional and student members as well as non-NIRSA members, is focused on the future of collegiate recreation in “big picture” terms. The Assembly is an important mechanism for generating new ideas and shaping the future of the profession.

As we welcome the newly-appointed members of the Assembly, the Association would like to express gratitude to the following individuals whose terms are ending. We thank them for their commitment to the 2015–2016 Assembly.

Tori Allmendinger, Oklahoma State University
Mike Berdowski, Western Michigan University
Mike Chadee, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Thomas Deus, University of Southern Mississippi
Tamra Garstka, CRSS, Arizona State University
Steve Gambino, Ed.D., RCRSP, West Chester University
Jon Hager, RCRSP, Mount St. Mary’s University
Whitney Hinshaw, Montana State University, Bozeman
Arthur Olague, Texas A&M University, San Antonio
Lindsey Peckinpaugh, Sink Combs Dethlefs
Kim Rottet, CENTERS@ Cleveland State University
Amanda Saccone, James Madison University
Mike Schneider, Centers at Moraine Valley Community Colleges
Melanie Stawkey, Ringling College of Art and Design
Aaron Tripp

The 2016–2017 NIRSA Assembly roster has been finalized and approved by the NIRSA Board of Directors, and members will serve from July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017. This marks the seventh year for this leadership body, and—as has been the case for the past few years—there was a high level of interest from members who wished to serve. Over 60 outstanding candidates applied for an opportunity to be a part of this years’ NIRSA Assembly.

Thank you to all professional, student, and associate members who applied for an Assembly position. NIRSA volunteers are a crucial part of the advancement of the Association, and your willingness to serve is greatly appreciated.

Below is the 2016–2017 Assembly roster listed by seat. The newly-appointed members will join six returning members from the 2015–2016 Assembly as they continue their service by fulfilling the second year of their term. Open seats on the Assembly serve a one-year term, and all members are welcome to reapply. There will be one previous Assembly member serving in an open seat on the 2016–2017 Assembly.

Board of Directors Representative, Convener

Don Stenta, Ph.D., The Ohio State University

Past Presidents’ Representative

Mick Deluca, CRSS, RCRSP, UCLA

NIRSA Members

Marc Falkenstein, University of the Pacific
Michael Giles, Jr., CRSS, Iowa State University
Jami Houston, University of Oklahoma
Marc Iturriaga, RCRSP, Mount Royal University
Lynn Nester, RCRSP, East Tennessee State University
Marie VanBuskirk, Oakland University

NIRSA Professional Members Less Than Five Years

Lauren Brown, RCRSP, South Dakota State University
Trish Dorman, University of Oregon
Jennifer Pecoraro, Georgia Institute of Technology
Brigitta Putnam, Cornell University

NIRSA Student Members

Domonique Dunn, University of Kentucky
Samantha Proctor, The College of William & Mary
Chance Ryon, University of West Florida

Open Seats

Matthew Beck, RCRSP, Oklahoma State University
Matt Grimm, RCRSP, Stevenson University
Charles Judkins, Jackson State University
Jenny Larson, University of Wisconsin – La Crosse
Tiffany Lomax, The George Washington University
Matt McCarthy, University of Utah
Adam Pruett, The Claremont Colleges
Ross Rodriguez, RCRSP, University of Texas at Austin
If you would like to contribute a collegiate recreation topic or idea for the Assembly to discuss, don’t hesitate! You can speak with Assembly members in person at regional or annual conferences. Alternatively, feel free to reach out by email. Start a conversation today!