The landscape of working in higher education today is ever evolving. Those who continue to work in the field of collegiate recreation do so because we know the power of inclusive participation and how recreation, sport, and fitness can be a spark for community building and individual growth—the core pursuit of intentional learning—and we want to give back to the next generation of students and leaders.
For those of you at the early stage of your careers, the 2025 NIRSA School for Early Career Professionals can be the launchpad that catapults you to success in this dynamic field. Happening December 9-11 in Dallas, Texas, the NIRSA School aims to equip emerging leaders in campus recreation with essential skills and networks to drive positive change within their organizations.
“The NIRSA School curriculum challenges participants and faculty alike to push beyond our limits, face our vulnerabilities, and develop the skills to be not better at our jobs but better as human beings. That in turn makes us better in all aspects of our lives,” says Candice Douglas, Assistant Director of Facilities at Western Kentucky University and member of the NIRSA School Faculty. With only 66 slots available, prospective attendees are encouraged to apply promptly, as registration is lottery-based.
Why attend?
Previous attendees of the NIRSA School recall the value of their cohort-based learning groups and many maintain strong connections with other attendees even after The NIRSA School ends.
“’The NIRSA School helped me solidify why I am in this field, as well as the direction I want to go moving forward. It helped me gain a deeper understanding of my leadership style and who I am as a professional, and it gave me insights I still use and think about to this day,” says Michael Hettinger, Club Sports Coordinator at Indiana University-Bloomington.
The emphasis on this unique opportunity is to deepen industry knowledge, expand networks, and strategize career advancement. Attendees will leave having amplified their capabilities to a lasting degree that will serve them as they return home to their professional roles.
“I attended NIRSA School for Early Career Professionals as a person new to campus recreation but more ‘seasoned’ in a previous career in education. Although I had 20+ years of professional experience, I found NIRSA School highly beneficial in helping me learn new tools and reframe my approach to workplace challenges. It was time well spent, and I especially appreciated the well-organized and intimate approach which fostered relationship building and resulted in more meaningful connections than those provided by a typical large-scale conference. I highly recommend this experience,” says Susie Weigel, Group Fitness Coordinator at Auburn University.
How to apply
Applications for the lottery are currently open, with a deadline set for Wednesday, May 28, 2025. The lottery draw results will be announced on Friday, June 6 and all applicants will receive notification of their status via email.
Designed for professionals in their first 1-5 years in the campus recreation field, the program boasts a faculty lineup comprising industry experts with diverse backgrounds and decades of experience. “I am excited to share my experiences and help my fellow members while the landscape of higher education is changing, to enable collegiate recreation professionals to show the importance of their departments’ role on their campus community,” says Ryan Bradshaw, Associate Director of Global Recreation at Northeastern University and member of the NIRSA School Faculty.
The finer details
The event’s schedule spans from morning programming on Tuesday, December 9 to evening sessions on Thursday, December 11. Full attendance is expected, necessitating travel arrangements from Monday, December 8, to Friday, December 12 depending on attendees’ locations.
As the NIRSA School for Early Career Professionals prepares to welcome a new cohort of aspiring leaders, professionals in campus recreation are encouraged to take advantage of this unparalleled opportunity for growth and development. Interested individuals should apply to the lottery promptly for their chance to join this transformative learning experience.
- For more information about the 2025 event contact NIRSA Director of Events & Experiences Sierra Smith.
Jenny Larson
Jenny Larson is currently Director of Health, Recreation and Wellness at Auburn University and a current member of the NIRSA School Faculty; you can email Jenny at jll0103@auburn.edu.
