Every year, NIRSA recognizes a professional member or research team for their contributions towards advancing the field of collegiate recreation or advancing research and assessment initiatives on their respective campuses. The NIRSA Research & Assessment Committee encourages you to recognize and promote the work of your colleagues by nominating a current NIRSA member or research team for the NIRSA Research & Assessment Award!
Nominees must be professional members in good standing for at least two years and who serve as role models on their campus. They cannot have received the award in the preceding two years, and must be nominated by a current student or professional member. Nominations, which are due by November 15, will be reviewed by the NIRSA Research & Assessment Committee, and the selected recipient or recipients will be recognized at the 2017 NIRSA Annual Conference & Recreational Sports Expo taking place in National Harbor, Maryland from February 21-24.
Last year’s Research & Assessment Award recipient was Karina (Wittman) Knutson, Associate Director of Assessment and Operations at the University of North Dakota (UND). She was nominated for her outstanding contributions towards fostering a culture of assessment within the Student Affairs Division at UND. Karina says, “It felt great to be acknowledged by my colleagues and peers for the work I am doing as research and assessment is not always the most glamorous role.” Receiving the award also provided Karina with additional motivation to “make assessment a priority” and to support others to “think with the end in mind.”
Please take time to nominate a colleague today and recognize them for their contributions to research and assessment in collegiate recreation.
- For more information about the NIRSA Research & Assessment Award, please contact NIRSA Research Coordinator Ruben Guzman.
Erin Patchett, PhD., is currently the Director, Administration & Assessment for Campus Recreation at Colorado State University and the President for the NIRSA Board of Directors; you can email her at erin.patchett@colostate.edu.
