Campus Recreation All Star: Anna Champion

Anna Champion is currently Assistant Director for Fitness and Wellbeing at Pennsylvania State University. She’s previously held positions at Georgia Southern University, Georgia Southwestern State University, and Auburn University at Montgomery. Anna holds a Bachelor of Business Administration, a Master of Accountancy, and a Master of Science in Exercise Science and Kinesiology from Georgia Southern University.

She has worked in the campus recreation field for 18 years, starting her time in the profession as an undergraduate group fitness instructor at Georgia Southern University. “I accidentally fell into this role by way of being a regular gym attendee my freshman year,” she explains. “I had no idea group fitness existed—or even what campus recreation included—but I was hooked as soon as I took my first cardio kickboxing class. I was such a regular attendee I was recruited by Angie Frederick to audition to teach. I got certified, auditioned, and the rest is history.”

Anna credits her love of fitness and wellbeing to her time with Georgia Southern University Campus Recreation and Intramurals. “#CRtilyoudie deserves all of the credit!” insists Anna. “I am thankful every day to my CRI family.”

Today, at Penn State, Anna oversees all of Fitness and Wellbeing for the Campus Recreation Department. This includes group fitness programming, personal training, small group training, and custom programming where student organizations, campus departments, or any entity at Penn State University can request the presence of a Fitness and Wellbeing employee to either teach a class, present a workshop, or both.

Power Remix! is just one unique fitness class that was born at Penn State, and it’s one of the most popular Fitness and Wellbeing offerings. “Students love this format, and all choreography is created by Penn State Campus Recreation group fitness instructors,” says Anna. “It is a strong tradition to have Power Remix! Fridays at Penn State Campus Recreation. We are the fun on campus!”

Anna ensures that any continuing education or specialty certifications instructors or trainers who show interest in getting involved at Penn State Campus Recreation have the support to continue their fitness professional journeys. She also keeps track of budgeting and expenses within Fitness and Wellbeing on top of hosting workshops and certifications within the facilities. “I oversee the formatting for an academic class that teaches those who wish to pursue a fitness role (group fitness, personal trainer) the knowledge, skills, and abilities to be prominent fitness professionals. We use ACE to teach these courses,” explains Anna.

Throughout her career, Anna has been fortunate to have a number of dedicated and inspiring mentors. These include Michele Martin, Training Manager for American Association of Suicidology, Higher Education at SmithGroup; America Minc, Director, Recreational Facilities & Fitness at Georgia Southern University; Dexter Shorter, Associate Director of Campus Recreation for Programs at Pennsylvania State University; Gene Sherry, Executive Director at Georgia Southern University; and Alexandria Luneke, Associate Director of Programs at Pennsylvania State University.

Over the years, she has grown grateful for the “the family feeling, the community, and the connections” she’s found within NIRSA. “I can get in touch with anyone from any NIRSA network and they are generous and helpful with information I may be asking for,” says Anna. “I cannot speak enough about the connections I have made through being a member of NIRSA.”

When asked how she recreates outside of work, Anna shares her enthusiasm for “all things swimming, biking, and running.” She participates in triathlons and spends time training to hit her own personal performance goals. She frequently recreates in the company of her husband and fur child.

Anna Champion is truly an enthusiastic and dedicated campus recreation professional! NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation is fortunate to count her as a member.