As the premier association for campus recreation, NIRSA remains dedicated to providing a sense of belonging and community, opportunities for personal and professional growth, and places and spaces for networking and mentoring while paving the way for the next generation of professionals.
NIRSA is comprised of three entities: the Association, the NIRSA Foundation, and the NIRSA Services Corporation. The Association—the parent organization—is led by the NIRSA Board while the NIRSA Foundation serves as the philanthropic arm and the NIRSA Services Corporation is the innovation and business arm. This unique structure allows three distinct leadership groups to focus on separate but equally important areas that ultimately bring value to NIRSA members and the profession of campus recreation.
All three entities operate under one strategic plan and one set of strategic values. NIRSA consistently strives to cultivate a culture of respect, inclusivity, and collaboration, remaining deeply committed to meaningful JDEI practices. The nominating committees recruit with an intentional lens of equity and inclusion, recognizing that transparency, prudent fiduciary oversight, ethical decision making, and forward-thinking leadership leads to productive and agile governance.
NIRSA Board of Directors
At a recent meeting, the NIRSA Board of Directors appointed Nicole Olmeda, Data Liaison to Colleges, Schools, and Units (Office of the President) at the University of Texas at Austin, and Andre Love, Director of Recreational Sports at Ohio State University, to serve as Annual Directors for the 2023–2024 leadership year.
Nicole Olmeda has been an active member of NIRSA for over 28 years. With a strong background in research and assessment, Nicole was specifically asked to serve on the NIRSA Board to provide insight and direction relating to the launch of an extensive research, assessment, and benchmarking portfolio review. Within Student Affairs Nicole led assessment and research initiatives and more recently has taken these skills to the Office of the President at UT Austin. On a national level she successfully led, strategized, and executed major projects including the NIRSA Institutional Data Set. Her expertise in data analysis, survey design, and benchmarking and strategic thinking will be a solid asset to the 2023–2024 Board.
Andre has been involved with collegiate recreation and a member of NIRSA since 1995. During this time, he has served NIRSA in multiple volunteer capacities including chairing committees like student professional development and standards of competition. As demonstrated through his current involvement on the NIRSA Finance Committee, Andre is competent in developing, managing, and analyzing large operational budgets, and is fiscally savvy. Having years of professional experience leading at institutions with varying enrollment and department sizes allows Andre to provide a multi-lens perspective to NIRSA Board discussions.
As we transition to the 2024 NIRSA Board and welcome new board members, I am excited to begin the work that will coincide with the third and final year of the current strategic plan,” says Dr. Wendy Windsor, Director of Campus Recreation at Tulane University. “From my last two years serving on the NIRSA Board, I have seen a strong commitment to accessing who we are and who we need to become post pandemic, with tough but optimistic conversations ahead about the future of our profession.”
“We are an organization that values its volunteer leaders, and I believe that will continue to be needed to shape and redefine our association and profession,” adds Wendy. “Efforts this year will not only include the continual activation of the climate survey action plan, but increased attention to research and benchmarking, and the finalization of the educational portfolio review. As incoming President, I challenge members to ‘find their place within the Association’ to ensure all voices are heard as we develop future tactics and priorities. The boards of directors will lead the way, but this will require collective effort and investment in partnership with NIRSA HQ and all our volunteer leadership. I am honored and excited to be serving as your leader and look forward to an exhilarating year ahead.”
Nicole and Andre join President-Elect Lashica Thomas, Interim Director of Campus Rec at Columbus State University, and Kevin Martin, Director of Rec Sports at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, as incoming Board members, with their terms beginning May 1. Returning Board members include Dr. Wendy Windsor; Erin Patchett, Director of Administration & Assessment at Colorado State University; Victoria Lopez-Herrera, Senior Associate Director of Student Development at The University of Texas at San Antonio; and Dexter Shorter, Associate Director of Campus Rec at Pennsylvania State University.
NIRSA Foundation Board of Directors
The NIRSA Foundation Board of Directors begins the 2023–2024 leadership year with three new Board members: Liz Henry, Associate Director of Recreation & Engagement at UC San Diego; Demond Pryor, Assistant Dean of Student Engagement & Success at the University of Toledo; and Steve Bobbitt, Director of Campus Recreation at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Liz has been part of the NIRSA family since 2010, proving to be a dedicated volunteer working with the Founder’s Social, the Women Leading Women preconference workshop, and the Black Women in NIRSA cohort. Last year, the Foundation honored Liz as the 2022 NIRSA Foundation Leadership Award recipient.
Demond brings a unique lens to the Foundation as he’s currently serving as Assistant Dean at his institution which has allowed him access to fundraise at the highest level. His background in non-profit stewardship aligns with the core purpose of the Foundation. He also serves as both a mentor and a leader in the Black Men of NIRSA cohort and the Black Community Caucus.
Steve is a lifetime NIRSA member with the dedication to match. He has won both a NIRSA National Service Award and a NIRSA Region II Award of Merit. From his time as the 2011 NIRSA National School of Recreational Sport Management Chair to his service as part of the 2017 VA NIRSA State Conference Planning Committee, Steve’s impact within NIRSA will remain long after his three years serving on the Foundation Board are over.
Returning Board members include Sophia Marshall, Interim Director at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte; Larry Mellinger, Director of Campus Recreation & Wellness at Elon University; James Koeppe, Director of Campus Recreation at University of Illinois Springfield; Dr. Jean McClellan-Holt, Assistant Director of Sports Clubs and Summer Camp at Old Dominion University; Yvette Kell, Director of Campus Recreation at University of Missouri–St Louis; Kevin George, Director of Campus Rec at Rowan University; and Seneca Wilson, Director of University Recreation at the University of Alabama Birmingham.
NIRSA Services Corporation Board of Directors
The NIRSA Services Corporation (NSC) Board of Directors begins the 2023–2024 leadership year with three new members: Caitríona Taylor, Executive Director of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance at Boston University; Jasmine Holmes, Associate Director, Sports Programs at Syracuse University; and D.J. Preston, Director of Student Rec & Wellness at Radford University.
Caitríona has worked in collegiate recreation for over 20 years with roles in programming and facility operations eventually culminating in senior leadership roles within the university system. Having served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts and as Founder/President of two startup businesses, she brings a strong working knowledge of how to both attain and retain new business while also being mindful of what may best serve NIRSA members.
Jasmine has been a staunch volunteer, leader, and collaborator within NIRSA. She has chaired the NIRSA Championship Series Social Justice Work Team and remains continuously involved in the NIRSA Championship Series in various volunteer roles. She has experience partnering with the LGBTQ+ Resource Center, Special Olympics, and Unified Sports, and serves on the Black Heritage Committee bringing deep experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
D.J. brings over 12 years of experience in collegiate recreation. At Virginia Tech, D.J. steadily rose from coordinator to senior associate director. His experience with health and wellness, esports programming and development, outdoor/adventure recreation, and club and intramural sports brings a broad perspective to the NSC Board. Additionally, D.J. brings an entrepreneur’s lens with his background as a founder of a startup business where he developed innovative partnerships with vendors and the community.
“We are excited to welcome Jasmine, D.J., and Caitriona to the NSC Board,” says Jill Krantz, Executive Director of Recreation at the University of Pittsburgh. “Each brings their diverse viewpoints and experiences to support the Board’s focus on enriching the entrepreneurial mindset within our profession. As Association leaders, we look forward to leveraging Jasmine, D.J., and Caitriona’s strengths along with those of the returning board members.”
Returning NIRSA Services Corporation Board members include Jill Krantz; Andrew Lemons, Director of Programs at The University of Texas at Austin; Iisha Voltz, Director of Campus Rec & Wellness at Texas Southern University; and Dave Peters, Senior Associate Director of Campus Rec at Florida State University.
Please join me in welcoming these incoming and returning NIRSA leaders and extending your appreciation for their volunteer service to the Association!
Pam Watts is currently the Executive Director at NIRSA.
