In the July/August 2026 issue of Athletic Business Magazine, writer Michael Popke catches up with the leaders of two Michigan schools who opened new campus recreation facilities to students this year.
Mike Widen, Director of Michigan Recreation at the University of Michigan and Marcus Jackson, Director of Recreational Sports & Fitness Services at Michigan State connect with AB Magazine to share perspective about embarking on new campus rec eras, and how involving students in every facet of the planning and design process is critical to planning and developing the next generation of facilities.
Additional insights
While welcoming students to their new facilities, leaders from the two schools also took time to share with NIRSA colleagues some of the lessons they’ve learned along the way. NIRSA Member Engagement & Online Communities Coordinator and NIRSA Live Host Lamont Mayer Jr. explores insights with Mike Widen, Director of Recreational Sports for Michigan Recreation and Marcus Jackson, Director of Recreational Sports and Fitness Services at Michigan State University.
Lamont also highlights some of the key takeaways from the design and construction process by connecting with Mason Johnson, AIA, NCARB, WELL AP of Moody Nolan, who worked on the Student Recreation and Wellness Center at Michigan State University project.
Athletic Business is the preferred media partner of NIRSA
Athletic Business has been associate member of NIRSA since 1997. More than 40,000 subscribers turn to the Athletic Business print publication and tens of thousands more turn to the AB website for award-winning editorial content, as well as to view products and services offered by leading companies. Athletic Business is a Preferred Media Partner of the Association.
- For more information, contact NIRSA Director of Communications, Simon Bravo.
