More than a decade after the publication of its landmark Benefits of Campus Recreation report in 2014, NIRSA is launching a new research initiative to strengthen the profession’s ability to demonstrate its impact through current, credible evidence.
NIRSA is seeking researchers to develop seven focused research syntheses exploring what the existing body of evidence tells us about campus recreation’s contributions to student success and institutional priorities. Together, these research snapshots will form the foundation of the NIRSA Impact Report, anticipated for publication in late 2027.
Dr. Stacey Hall to serve as editor
In addition to being a NIRSA Past President and Honor Award recipient, Stacey brings a unique connection to the initiative’s history. She contributed behind the scenes to the original 2014 report, supporting the interpretation of findings and review of early drafts. Her extensive experience in bridging research and professional practice also includes work on the NIRSA–Multi-Institutional Leadership Study collaboration, scholarly publications, and mentoring researchers across collegiate recreation and student affairs.
“This new project is exciting as the goal is to fill a clear need for our NIRSA members,” Hall shared in her application. “The value of this project isn’t only in bringing the research together. It’s in making that evidence accessible and useful—giving campus recreation professionals the confidence to tell the story of the department’s impact. My passion for educating and supporting colleagues is what draws me to this role.”
A new approach for NIRSA
This new initiative reflects a significant evolution in NIRSA’s approach. Rather than conducting a new research project, researchers will synthesize the growing body of scholarship across seven areas:
- Health & Wellbeing
- Leadership & Skill Development
- Student Employment & Career Preparation
- Belonging & Social Connection
- Campus Experience & Engagement
- Academic Success & Retention
- Institutional Value
The goal is to equip campus recreation professionals with accessible, credible, and citable evidence they can confidently use to communicate the value of campus recreation to institutional leaders and other stakeholders.
Individual researchers and research teams are encouraged to apply. Thanks to the generosity of the NIRSA Foundation, each completed research snapshot will receive a $2,500 stipend. Applicants must be current NIRSA members, or, for team proposals, have a lead researcher who is a current member.
Researchers are invited to contribute to a new comprehensive report under the editorial leadership of Dr. Stacey Hall. Proposals to serve as a researcher/research team are due December 4, 2026.
- For more information, contact NIRSA Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives & Impact, Erin O’Sullivan.
