Deb Johnson is 2026 recipient of the NIRSA Foundation Leadership Award

Celebrating the impact of volunteer leaders is a longstanding tradition in NIRSA. Established in 2013, the NIRSA Foundation Leadership Award is an especially estimable accolade that celebrates the extraordinary commitment of individuals who’ve played a transformative role in supporting the NIRSA Foundation’s mission of advancing the field of collegiate recreation through support for scholarship, research, officials’ development, and funding for NIRSA’s strategic priority initiatives.

After a truly inspiring NIRSA 75th Anniversary celebration year—reflecting on the contributions of members past and present—the 2026 recipient comes as no surprise.

As we honor the past, engage the moment, and lead to the future, the NIRSA Foundation Board considers it a privilege to recognize a leader who has had a transformational impact on our NIRSA family: Dr. Deb Johnson, Executive Director of Recreation and Well-Being at UC Davis is a true-blue member of NIRSA; she joined NIRSA in 2010.

Stewardship characterized by sustainability

Deb served an extended term on the NIRSA Foundation Board of Directors from 2014–2020, including a landmark term as President from 2018–2019. Her tenure on the Board of NIRSA’s philanthropic arm was defined by a shift toward achieving long-term sustainability for the NIRSA Foundation. Her exceptional dedication and leadership have impacted so many and have inspired several individuals to follow in her footsteps, building momentum and passion for the NIRSA Foundation.

Deb’s leadership and strategic planning during her term as NIRSA Foundation President contributed to one of its most impactful years to date. Through her stewardship, the Strategic Planning and Resource Committee (SPARC) was created, leading to stronger long-term revenue strategies, better documentation practices, and clearer policies around disbursements. From creating the Founders Circle which generated six figures in pledged contributions, to increasing the number recurring donors to record-setting levels, while guiding three new, dedicated endowments to full funding, her time on the Foundation Board was a testament to best practices, including several that are still being followed today.

New heights for core programs

“What sets Deb apart is her deep commitment to the heart and soul of the NIRSA Foundation; she’s not just maintained what exists, but shepherds transformational change that will serve generations to come,” says Bill Crockett, Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. “Under Deb’s leadership, the NIRSA Foundation elevated its core programs to new heights. She strengthened our event scholarships and travel grant initiatives, championed our strategic priorities around health and wellbeing, workforce development, and advocacy through research, and ensured these programs reached those who needed them most,” adds Bill. “As Foundation President, she led with integrity and distinction, building a foundation that enabled others to succeed and thrive,” Bill says.

My time on the NIRSA Foundation Board overlapped a little with Deb’s and I cherished serving with her. Her leadership was a gift, and I saw firsthand how hard she works for the betterment of others and our profession. Deb’s ability to invest in others, genuinely care about what’s important to them, and boost our personal and professional growth is a small taste of her many superpowers.

 “When I joined the Foundation Board, Deb was President. Though we’d barely met, she welcomed me as if we’d known each other for years, and she quickly made me feel like part of the team,” says Linda Knight, the Executive Director of Health & Wellness at the College of William and Mary, remembers. “She took time to explain new concepts, modeled innovative thinking about growing the board, and guided our strategic direction with clarity and purpose. Deb’s leadership strengthened the foundation and developed those who served with her. I am a better recreation professional because of her mentorship and a better person because of her friendship,” adds Linda.

Bridge builder and connector

Several NIRSA members speak to Deb’s welcoming presence at in-person events such as the NIRSA Conference, noting that what is most important to Deb are those genuine conversations. She is the welcome wagon, a gracious steward of relationships, and a generous connector between people who haven’t yet met.

Darcy Bingham, retired from the University of California-San Diego observes, “Deb is a bridge builder, and she has the ability to bond with people in a way that is so genuine and respectful— It’s evident when you see her at a conference or walk with her through the expo hall.” Darcy is co-recipient of the inaugural NIRSA Foundation Leadership Award and as a longtime supporter of the NIRSA Foundation, she brings unique insight into the NIRSA Foundation’s distinguished tradition of leaders and supporters. She adds, “She has built so many incredible relationships and stewarded our donors and associate members in meaningful and lasting ways. All of us in NIRSA have benefited from Deb’s service, passion, and care for others.”

Before taking up her role at UC Davis, Deb served as an Executive Director of a non-profit for ten years. Since moving into higher education, UC Davis students have benefitted from her ‘student-first’ philosophy. Deb has also taken that student first approach to her peers; she is available as a professional coach and serves as a member of the Council on Student Affairs and Fees (COSAF).  “I chose to serve on COSAF,” says Deb, “because it provides a valuable opportunity to hear directly from students about how our services, programs, and facilities impact their experience. Student feedback is essential to ensuring that our planning, priorities, and resource decisions reflect what matters most to them.”

Andy Ramirez, Director for UC Davis Recreation shares, “I have known Deb for over ten years, and she has always led from a place of service. From her time on the NIRSA Foundation Board of Directors to her tenure as Executive Director at UC Davis, she is deeply committed to supporting others and developing future leaders.”

As Chair of the University of California (UC) Recreation Directors Workgroup, Deb strives to create best practices and enhance systems and support for campus recreation programs, staff, and services across the entire UC system. Those who are lucky enough to have crossed paths with Deb, know she serves with her whole heart, truly believing in the positive role that campus recreation plays for the wellbeing of individuals and communities. She has proven herself to be the embodiment of what it means to be an estimable peer, a valued colleague, a generous mentor, and perhaps most importantly, a treasured friend.

A sparkling addition to the cohort of NIRSA Foundation Leadership Award recipients

“It would be very hard to overstate Deb’s impact on the NIRSA Foundation,” says NIRSA Executive Director Pam Watts, CAE. “Thanks to her commitment, creativity, and conviviality, a new generation of campus recreation professionals found a welcoming supporter in their corner and an appreciative home for them to give back to a rewarding profession. And her visionary stewardship ensured that scores of future students and professionals will benefit from today’s donations,” adds Pam.

“Deb has enhanced relationships with NIRSA’s associate members and sponsors, contributing to increased engagement and ongoing support,” believes Stacey Hall, Assistant Vice President of Student Life at the University of New Hampshire. “A thoughtful, strategic, and engaging professional, Deb asks insightful questions, pursues ambitious goals, and consistently centers what will benefit the association. She has earned the respect of collegiate recreation professionals and associate member representatives alike,” says Stacey.

“Deb Johnson is a truly deserving recipient of the NIRSA Foundation Leadership Award,” because, as Stacey explains, “for many years, she has been a positive, professional, and deeply dedicated volunteer leader whose steady presence has strengthened the NIRSA Foundation’s impact.”

Please join us in celebrating Deb Johnson as the 2026 NIRSA Foundation Leadership Award recipient; Deb will be celebrated in-person at the 2026 NIRSA + IDEA® World Conference and Expo, including during the Award Reception on Friday, April 10.