My name is Chelsea Jones and I am your NIRSA Student Leader! I am honored to be serving in this role and excited to be a part of an organization as forward thinking and mindful as NIRSA. The reason I wanted to be the NIRSA Student Leader in the first place was to be involved with this organization that has not only helped shape me into the student and soon-to-be professional that I am, but which has also shaped so many others as well. I want to help make a difference in our organization by getting members more involved and introducing new members to what we do. It has been a fun and challenging journey thus far, and I know I couldn’t have come so far without the support of the entire Student Leadership Team (SLT). This is where this blog truly begins: With introducing our Student Leadership Team!
NIRSA Student Leader: Chelsea Jones
To start, I am originally from Weyburn, Saskatchewan, Canada and I attended the University of Regina (in Canada) to complete my undergraduate degree. It was there that I got my start in campus recreation serving as the Sport Club Manager and Intramural Office Manager. I now attend Texas A&M University, College Station where I serve as the Graduate Assistant for Sport Clubs. My favorite campus recreation activities to partake in are group fitness classes and intramural softball. When I’m not at the recreation center, I enjoy hanging out with friends and catching up on my favorite reality TV shows. A fun fact about me: I both figure skated and played hockey until I graduated from high school.
StrengthsFinder top five strengths: Woo, Communication, Competitive, Restorative, Positivity
Canadian Student Leader: Lauryn Rogers
Born in the town of Windsor, Ontario, Canada, Lauryn now attends the University of Windsor as an undergraduate student where she works as a student marketing supervisor. Lauryn is hoping to gain experience in the marketing field and deepen her knowledge of campus recreation during her time on the SLT. When she isn’t working and going to class, Lauryn enjoys reading or going for walks with her dog. Lauryn’s favorite campus recreation activities include taking HIIT fitness classes and playing intramural volleyball. Lastly, a very fun fact about Lauryn is that she was the heaviest baby to be born all year in Windsor in 2001.
StrengthsFinder top five strengths: Discipline, Relator, Communication, Achiever, Responsibility
Region I Student Leader: Nyindu Kabangu Jr.
Originally born in Framingham, Massachusetts, Nyindu attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst for his undergrad degree where he was deeply involved in the intramural program; he served as an official, a supervisor, and as a coordinator. Nyindu also held the roles of group fitness monitor and fitness floor assistant. Nyindu now serves Rowan University as the Graduate Coordinator of Intramural Sports and Special Events. Nyindu joined the SLT in hopes of gaining different perspectives from different students and professional staff from around the country. His favorite campus recreation activity is playing intramural flag football. When he isn’t at the recreation center, he loves to take afternoon naps and watch YouTube videos or listen to music. Something interesting about Nyindu is his name; Nyindu means “steel” and Kabangu means “little scar.”
StrengthsFinder top five strengths: Strategic, Command, Ideation, Restorative, Self-Assurance
Region II Student Leader: Alexis Shura
Alexis currently attends James Madison University where she serves as the Facilities and Operations Graduate Assistant. She got her start in campus recreation at West Virginia University where she worked as an operations supervisor and an operations program assistant. From her time on the SLT Alexis hopes to gain knowledge about NIRSA as well as a more in-depth understanding of campus recreation. She also wants to build relationships across all the regions. Alexis’ favourite campus recreation activities include weightlifting and playing intramural sports. When she isn’t at the recreation center or in class, Alexis likes watching Netflix and reading.
StrengthsFinder top five strengths: Discipline, Restorative, Positivity, Futuristic, Input
Region III Student Leader: Cameron Johnson
Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Cameron got his start in campus recreation attending Indiana State University where he held the position of Building Supervisor. He now attends Cleveland State University where he is the Operations Coordinator. When he isn’t working at the recreation center, he loves to partake in intramurals, particularly softball. When he is able to relax after work and school, his favorite thing to do is watch TV, get food with friends, and watch sports. An interesting fact about Cameron is that he is a lupus survivor and has not had a flare up since being diagnosed!
StrengthsFinder top five strengths: Includer, Achiever, Restorative, Focus, and Belief
Region IV Student Leader: Brittany Close
Brittany comes to us from Oklahoma State University where she serves as the Competitive Sports Graduate Assistant. Originally born in Cleveland, Ohio, Brittany got her start in campus recreation at Ashland University where she completed her undergraduate degree. She served as an intramural official, recreational sports manager, program intern, and facility manager at Ashland. Brittany wanted to join the SLT to be able to give back to NIRSA and to help students advance in their professional development. In addition, she wanted to expand her knowledge of NIRSA and have the opportunity to get to know students and professionals from across the Association. When she isn’t at the campus recreation center playing intramural sports, she loves to watch TV or spend time with her family and friends. An interesting fact about Brittany: She played the violin for over 15 years and also knows how to play the ukulele and guitar.
StrengthsFinder top five strengths: Achiever, Analytical, Learner, Responsibility, Arranger
Region V Student Leader: Chance Wiarda
Chance—who was originally born in Aurora, Nebraska—completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he was involved with their summer camps and sport clubs program. He now serves as the Competitive Sports Graduate Assistant at South Dakota State University. He got involved with the SLT in hopes of gaining experience in the campus recreation field and expanding his networking opportunities. When participating in campus recreation activities, he particularly enjoys playing sand volleyball. When he’s not at the recreation center, he loves watching sports and playing with his dog. A fun fact about Chance is that he was born with an extra wisdom tooth—he had five in total!
StrengthsFinder top five strengths: Adaptability, Intellection, Competition, Empathy, Communication
Region VI Student Leader: Rafael Martinez
Originally from Guanajuato, Mexico, Rafael now attends California State University Bakersfield where he currently holds the title of Graduate Student Manager of Facilities and Member Services. Rafael began his campus recreation journey serving as a student manager on duty at CSU Bakersfield. Rafael joined the SLT to have the opportunity to be a voice for the students in his region and to create a virtual network where all students can connect. When he isn’t working at the recreation center, Rafael enjoys informal recreation play, intramurals, and playing golf. A fun fact about Rafael is that he is a huge San Francisco sports fan!
StrengthsFinder top five strengths: Communication, Includer, Belief, Competition, Significance
NIRSA Member Engagement Manager: Natasha Fischer
We also want to shout out Natasha Fischer, our NIRSA liaison and fearless advisor of the SLT. Natasha, who is from Melrose Park, Illinois, attended Northwestern University for her undergraduate degree. Although new to her position at NIRSA Headquarters, she is really looking forward to working with more NIRSA members and, more specifically, with the members of the SLT! Natasha loves gardening and doing any sort of outdoor activity. She now lives in a far northwest suburb of Chicago with her husband, two dogs, two cats, and about 20 chickens!
Chelsea Jones, NIRSA Student Leader, is currently the Sport Clubs Graduate Assistant at Texas A&M University, College Station.
