As we navigate the constant changes happening within our profession and organization, it is a joy to take a moment to reflect on the impact our members have at their intuitions and on NIRSA. Each year, the NIRSA Foundation Board of Directors recognizes someone who has had a transformational impact on the philanthropic arm of NIRSA. Each year, the NIRSA Foundation Leadership Award celebrates the exceptional dedication of a person or group that has actively participated in fulfilling the NIRSA Foundation‘s work to provide NIRSA members with meaningful opportunities for scholarship, research, and personal and professional development.
The NIRSA Foundation Board is excited to announce and spotlight our 2024 award recipient, Brent Harrison, Senior Associate Director at University of Oregon, who continues to add to his lasting impact on NIRSA and the NIRSA Foundation.
Brent served on the NIRSA Foundation Board from 2018–2022. “If you are the proud winner of the NIRSA Foundation T-shirt Competition or if you’ve purchased any of the higher-end items from the NIRSA Foundation’s Apparel Sale, one of the main people you can thank is Brent. He really embraced those NIRSA Annual Conference traditions and utilized his connections to elevate them and bring in financial support for the NIRSA Foundation” says Seneca Wilson, Director of Recreation at the University of Alabama – Birmingham and President-Elect of the NIRSA Foundation. Anyone who stopped by the NIRSA Foundation table during recent conferences would be greeted with Brent’s friendly smile, genuine conversation, and advocacy for the work and mission of NIRSA and the NIRSA Foundation.
Samantha Wallace, Assistant Director – Youth and Family Programs at the University of Oregon, elaborates, “Beyond Brent’s many years of membership and service to NIRSA, he is well known for his character, his supportive nature, and his ability to make anyone feel welcome. He represents the very best of the Association for his dedication to creating community and lasting partnerships. And no one is better than he is at talking you into buying something from the Foundation table.”
During his tenure, Brent also served as President of the NIRSA Foundation Board of Directors during the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the toughest times in our recent history. With no roadmap for success, Brent’s leadership, joyful spirit, strategic questions, and care for others led the board to make intentional shifts to support the members of NIRSA. Virtual Foundation events like “5K Your Way” and “Golf and Give 2020” allowed members to be a part of traditional events in a new way, remain connected, and give back. The growth of the Mission Advancement Fund and the introduction of membership waivers were an innovative way to create more flexibility and meet members greatest needs in a time of uncertainty and financial hardship for many.
As a NIRSA Foundation board member during that time, we can honestly reflect on how special that group of people was, serving the organization during an unprecedented time, where so much was unknown, and the name of the game was pivot and adapt. Brent’s ability to support us as people and not just board members was integral to our innovation, resiliency, and success. His love for the organization and its members was unwavering and at the forefront of the work we did.
His dedication to NIRSA extends far beyond the Foundation. Lynn Nester, Ed.D., the Director of Physical Education and Recreation at the University of Oregon, shares, “Brent’s strengths lie within relationship building, which made him a natural fit to serve on the NIRSA Foundation Board of Directors. Anyone who has worked with, gotten to know, or even shared a beverage with him will agree that Brent is a people person. His genuine charisma and care for people permeates throughout all facets of his life: his long-tenured career in Recreation at the University of Oregon, his work within NIRSA and the NIRSA Foundation, and even beyond.
“Brent is a leader on his campus who champions the role that recreation plays for the wellbeing of students and staff, says James Koeppe, Director of Campus Recreation at the University of Illinois Springfield and member of the NIRSA Foundation Board of Directors. “If you have worked with Brent, you know he likes to keep things fun and positive—he is able to create a such a strong sense of belonging. He is there to step in when and where he is needed. He has volunteered to serve on numerous work teams, committees, and other leadership groups on his campus and for NIRSA, including the Member Network, where he served as the Region VI Representative.
“Brent has been a long-time champion of the NIRSA Foundation. Over several decades he has contributed his time, talents, and treasure to the Foundation,” says Pam Watts, NIRSA Executive Director and member of the NIRSA Foundation Board of Directors. “With each of his Foundation committee roles and certainly during his time on the Foundation Board he brought enthusiasm and creative ideas, and he constantly cultivated an inclusive and welcoming culture,” Pam adds. Even when Brent was serving in NIRSA roles, he continued to champion the NIRSA Foundation—he has attained Platinum Level status on the NIRSA Foundation Honor Roll, putting him among the NIRSA Foundation’s upper echelons of contributors.
Brent currently serves as the Senior Associate Director of Physical Education and Recreation at the University of Oregon. He has been a member of NIRSA since 1990. Brent was the 2017 NIRSA Region VI Merit Award recipient, and he is actively serving on the 2024 NIRSA Foundation Golf Committee. Brent is also a proud Canadian who enjoys snowboarding, hiking, golfing, and taking long walks, especially with his dog Tilly.
Brent is a true ambassador for collegiate recreation, physical education, and NIRSA. His heart for the NIRSA Foundation and contributions to the organization have impacted so many. He is highly deserving of this prestigious accolade. Please join me in celebrating Brent Harrison as the 2024 NIRSA Foundation Leadership Award recipient!
- For more information, please contact NIRSA Director of Philanthropy Becky Sowers.
Liz Henry is currently Associate Director of Recreation, Engagement at the University of California-San Diego. She currently serves on the NIRSA Foundation Board of Directors and as Board Representative to the NIRSA Foundation Golf Tournament Committee.
