Joshua Brunson is a rising star in campus recreation

Joshua “JayB” Brunson started his campus recreation journey in Spring 2014 as a student at The University of Southern Mississippi. While he didn’t begin his college career with a burning interest in recreation, his enthusiasm for the field grew after attending a number of intramural basketball games and witnessing the officials hard at work. That was when he saw an opportunity to become involved in Southern Miss’s rec department. He decided to attend a basketball officials’ clinic and was soon hired by the department as an official. From there, he quickly moved up the ranks of the department—first as an intramural supervisor and then as the Student Director of Officials which put him in charge of running the officials’ clinics.

JayB credits numerous individuals at Southern Miss with encouraging his growth in the field. He says that Mike Valentine, Shawn Clark, Steven Knecht, David Calhoun, Mark Crager, and Eric Harris all “assisted in my development and informed me that I could actually have a career in campus recreation. I was very interested as I knew I wanted to work in sports, but I wasn’t pursuing any specific avenues.” Throughout his undergraduate career, JayB was offered numerous development opportunities; he attended regional and annual conferences and workshops while also officiating both basketball and flag football tournaments. He eventually graduated from The University of Southern Mississippi with a bachelor’s degree in sport management with a minor in business administration.

“After graduating from Southern Miss, I was offered the Graduate Assistant of Competitive Sports position at Northern Illinois University,” says JayB. “I was really grateful for my time at NIU. My GA cohort and the professional staff there were amazing, and my boss Laura Kucik really prepared me for my current role. She let me and my co-GA run the entire program while providing us with guidance.” JayB acquired his master’s degree in sport management while at NIU and then accepted his current position as Coordinator of Intramurals and Sport Clubs at Southern Miss where his campus recreation journey first began. On top of his current job responsibilities at Southern Miss, JayB is currently pursuing a doctorate in higher education administration; he anticipates acquiring his doctorate in Spring 2024.

In his current role at Southern Miss, JayB directly oversees the recreation department’s Intramurals and Sport Clubs Program. With the assistance of his graduate assistant, he programs a variety of sports and activities throughout the year, develops student officials and supervisors through trainings, and oversees 13 student club organizations. “Our campus recreation department at Southern Miss hosts many special events that help to raise scholarship money for our student employees,” explains JayB. “One unique event is our Annual Rodeo which we host every spring. It’s always great fun to work. The Rodeo gives away 13 scholarships to our students who are the real driving force behind our department. We not only believe in developing them professionally but it’s very gratifying to be able to reward them monetarily for their efforts.”

“I love working in campus recreation for several reasons,” says JayB. “First and foremost, it’s incredibly rewarding to be able to provide others with the same opportunities that were provided for me. I love that one aspect of my job is assisting in the development of our students. No matter what career field they are working towards or the challenges they may face, having the opportunity to positively impact students’ lives and witness their personal growth and development throughout their academic journey makes me feel fulfilled in my role and reinforces my dedication to their overall wellbeing.”

He adds, “Another aspect of campus recreation I love is that it’s an outlet that creates a sense of belonging. The diverse nature of campus recreation activities allows for inclusive experiences where students from different backgrounds, cultures, and academic pursuits can come together and form meaningful connections. Whether it’s team sports, group fitness classes, outdoor adventures, or even social events, these activities create shared experiences that break down barriers and create a sense of unity.”

NIRSA is synonymous with opportunities and connection

JayB has long been an active member of NIRSA. He says, “I really value the opportunities NIRSA provides that allow me to reconnect and build meaningful connections with my colleagues. I have met some great people volunteering at tournaments or at conferences, and connecting with those who are passionate about the work we do is such a valuable experience.” He currently serves on the Basketball Work Team and, as he puts it, “has the luxury of hosting the Southern Miss Regional Flag Football Tournament.” He says, “I have volunteered for several regional basketball tournaments on the All-Tournament Committee, which I love, and have volunteered at the National Basketball Tournament working on the Tournament Experience Committee.” This is all in addition to the numerous regional and national workshops and conferences he has attended.

JayB is incredibly grateful for the numerous mentors who have helped him along his campus recreation journey—from his years as an undergraduate student to today as he navigates his career as a professional staff member. Mike Valentine, Shawn Clark, Steven Knecht, David Calhoun, Mark Crager, Eric Harris, Laura Kucik, and Jason Darby have all made a lasting impression on JayB. He says, “These individuals saw and continue to see my potential and will be there to support me whenever!”

In his spare time, JayB loves to travel. “Anytime I get the opportunity to travel and explore new places, I’m happy. I also enjoy playing all intramural sports—my favorites being basketball, flag football, tennis, and indoor and sand volleyball.”

NIRSA is excited to count an emerging star like JayB among its membership. The future of campus recreation is definitely bright!