Sabrina Leistikow
James Madison University

Please provide a statement of your personal views on the role and contributions of collegiate recreation in higher education. In your response, describe how collegiate recreation has influenced your development.

Collegiate recreation has been a transformative force in shaping my professional, social, and personal growth. My journey in this field began during my freshman year at the University of Iowa (UIowa) when I took the “Recreation Administration” course and learned about job openings at one of the university’s recreation centers. In the fall of 2021, I started working as a Member Services Attendant at the Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Complex, marking the beginning of my nearly four-year experience in collegiate recreation.

At UIowa and now at James Madison University (JMU), I have gained invaluable professional experience across multiple roles. At UIowa, I served as a Member Services Attendant, Facility Supervisor, and Program Assistant of Staff Development. These roles taught me essential communication and leadership skills, particularly in initiating and leading difficult conversations with both participants and coworkers. I led staff meetings and training sessions, enhancing my ability to articulate expectations and engage my team effectively. These skills have been further developed during my time as a graduate assistant at JMU University Recreation (UREC). Here, I evaluate and provide constructive feedback to student staff, while also overseeing daily operations in areas such as our Welcome Center and Equipment Center. This experience has refined my decision-making, problem-solving, and operational management skills, as I ensure safety compliance and maintain high operational standards.

On a personal and social level, my involvement in collegiate recreation has allowed me to build meaningful, lasting relationships with both participants and staff. Whether through on-shift conversations, mid-semester check-ins, or formal evaluations, I have cultivated strong connections with my student staff. These relationships have been foundational to my growth, as they provide both personal fulfillment and professional insights that continue to shape my leadership style. Building strong, positive relationships is essential in creating an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and motivated to contribute.

Most importantly, my time in collegiate recreation has empowered me to develop strong leadership skills. Whether navigating crisis management, problem-solving, or communicating effectively with my team, I’ve gained confidence in my ability to lead in both everyday situations and high-pressure moments. While it can be difficult to see my growth on a day-to-day basis, reflecting on my experiences has shown me just how much I’ve developed professionally, socially, and personally. Without my years in collegiate recreation, I wouldn’t be the person I am today, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities and lessons it has provided.

Within the context of the NIRSA Strategic Plan, what area/item would you say is a major issue students face today? How would you address this issue during your term?

A major issue that students face today in collegiate recreation is entering the professional field without sufficient preparation, particularly when they lack Graduate Assistant (GA) positions or other professional opportunities that provide practical experience. Without this vital hands-on experience, many students struggle to transition smoothly into full-time roles after graduation.

This gap in preparation can leave students feeling unready and uncertain about their future careers in collegiate recreation.

To address this issue, I would focus on expanding opportunities for students to gain exposure to the field through networking and professional development activities. One effective solution would be to enhance the RECshare model that I shared about earlier, where students and professionals from different institutions within the same region or state engage in regular discussions, Q&As, and facility tours. These events would allow students to gain a diverse perspective on collegiate recreation while fostering shared passion and motivation for the field.

Through RECshares, students could interact with professionals to discuss career pathways, resume building, and internship opportunities. These gatherings could also provide valuable insights on navigating the transition from student to professional, helping students understand the skills and experiences they need to secure full-time positions. I would help facilitate these exchanges by organizing relevant discussions on leadership, career preparation, and networking, creating a space where students can learn from those who have successfully navigated the field.

In addition to RECshares, I would advocate for presentations at regional and national events focusing on preparing students for careers in collegiate recreation without relying solely on GA roles. These presentations would highlight strategies for securing internships, building professional networks, and finding mentorship opportunities. Sharing stories from professionals who entered the field without traditional GA experience would help students understand that there are multiple pathways to success in the recreation industry.

These efforts would help bridge the gap in students’ preparation by providing access to mentorship, training, and support, even if formal GA positions are limited. By creating more accessible opportunities for career exploration and development, students would be better equipped to succeed in the professional world.

Through these initiatives, I aim to contribute to NIRSA’s values of leadership, equity, diversity, and inclusion, and health & wellbeing by ensuring that all students have the tools and resources they need to enter the field of collegiate recreation confidently, regardless of their access to formal graduate positions. This approach would create a more inclusive and well-rounded path for students to transition into successful careers.

Describe your contributions to NIRSA (i.e. presentations, volunteering, previous leadership roles, etc.) and identify how your involvement and experiences qualify you to advocate for and serve the students of the Association.

While I have not yet had the opportunity to contribute extensively to NIRSA, I am eager to deepen my involvement and make meaningful contributions through a position on the Student Leadership Team. My experience at UIowa’s 2023 RECShare event in which students and professionals from various institutions came together to share resources and insights into their experiences in collegiate recreation provided me with valuable perspectives. Discussions on topics like Group Fitness & Social Wellness, Team Building, and Mindset Adjustment expanded my leadership perspective and broadened my understanding of the challenges and opportunities in collegiate recreation.

At JMU, I have taken on leadership roles that align with NIRSA’s focus on student development and core strategic values. As a member of the UREC Graduate Assistant Committee, I co-lead bi-weekly meetings and help organize major events like December Graduation, Warm a Winter Wish (supporting local nonprofits), and the End-of-Year Celebration. These initiatives foster wellness, inclusion, and student engagement, directly supporting NIRSA’s commitment to holistic student growth.

I also serve on the UREC Supervision Team, where I work alongside professional staff and graduate assistants to guide student staff during weekend shifts. I ensure smooth facility operations, address participant concerns, and create an inclusive environment. Through this role, I strive to apply NIRSA’s values of equity, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring all students feel respected and supported.

My leadership experience at UIowa further developed my skills. As the Director of Campus Activities and Involvement for my sorority, I coordinated engagement for over 160 members through intramural sports and campus events. This role helped me enhance my organizational and team-motivation skills while ensuring events were inclusive and empowering. As Facility Manager and executive board member of my sorority, I managed house operations, facilitated communication with stakeholders, and handled conflict resolution. These experiences taught me how to manage group dynamics and create a positive, collaborative environment.

Driven by the values of collegiate recreation, I am eager to continue my involvement in NIRSA. I look forward to attending the 2025 Annual Conference to expand my knowledge and further engage with professionals in the field. I am particularly excited to deepen my understanding of the global impact of collegiate recreation and its role in promoting wellness worldwide. I am confident that my diverse leadership experiences, passion for student engagement, and commitment to professional growth will enable me to effectively advocate for and contribute to the NIRSA Student Leadership Team.

The Student Leadership Team focuses on student development and Student Member recruitment and retention. What skills, talents, and perspectives would you bring to the Student Leadership Team that would contribute to this focus?

I believe my leadership experiences, interpersonal skills, and organizational abilities make me well-suited to contribute to the Student Leadership Team’s focus on student development and member recruitment and retention within NIRSA.

One key strength I bring is relationship building. In my various leadership roles, I’ve developed strong connections with a wide range of individuals, from students to professional staff. This

would be valuable for student recruitment and retention, as I can aid in the facilitation of lasting relationships between students and advisors through the Mentor Program, create opportunities for engagement, and encourage students to get involved in their communities.

My extraversion and ability to engage with others would be beneficial in encouraging students to attend NIRSA conferences and present at events. I am enthusiastic about supporting students as they navigate the professional landscape of collegiate recreation, and my approachable nature will help encourage their involvement in the organization.

Additionally, I bring strong delegation and team-building skills. I have led initiatives like organizing major events at both UIowa and JMU, breaking large goals into smaller tasks for effective execution. These skills will be useful in helping the Student Leadership Team organize and accomplish initiatives that support student development.

I also have a keen attention to detail and strong prioritization skills, developed through overseeing student staff and coordinating events. Whether managing logistics or supporting student engagement, I stay focused on priorities and ensure that every detail is accounted for.

Lastly, I believe my experiences at both UIowa and JMU offer a unique perspective that would be valuable to the Student Leadership Team. UIowa, a large, urban institution in Region 5, serves a broad, diverse community by offering recreation memberships to the public.

Comparatively, JMU, a smaller, rural university in Region 2, serves a more focused community of students, faculty, and staff. These experiences at two different universities in different regions, with distinct sizes and target audiences, give me a well-rounded understanding of how recreation programs can be shaped to meet the specific needs of varied campus communities. These experiences and perspectives would enable me to best support my fellow Student Leadership Team members by offering insights that can address the diverse challenges faced by campuses of varying sizes, locations, and populations.

With these skills and experiences, I am confident I can contribute meaningfully to the Student Leadership Team. I would enjoy supporting NIRSA’s mission of fostering student development, recruitment, and retention, and working to ensure that NIRSA is a place where students are motivated, supported, and empowered to grow.

Describe your leadership style. How will it benefit you and the rest of the Student Leadership Team?

My leadership style is grounded in consensus-building, empathy, and a commitment to collaboration. It has evolved through personal and professional experiences, where I learned the importance of values like sincerity, hard work, and thoughtfulness.

These values continue to shape my approach to leadership. As I reflect on my leadership journey, I recognize the importance of both visionary and strategic leadership. Visionary leadership, as I’ve learned from class discussions and professional interviews, involves the ability to clearly communicate a vision and engage others in that vision. This has been a key lesson for me, especially in the context of campus recreation. To lead effectively, it’s crucial to ensure that every team member feels included and motivated to work toward shared goals. Strategic leadership then builds upon that vision, ensuring that it is effectively planned and executed with decisive action. By involving my team in this process, I can create an environment of shared ownership and collaboration.

My leadership is also shaped by relationship-building. I have come to learn that the strongest leaders are those who foster trust and transparency, who support their teams and recognize the value of each individual. I firmly believe that relationships are the key to successful leadership. While achieving results is important, the process of building meaningful connections with team members is what ensures long-term success. Whether through offering guidance, being empathetic, or empowering others to take charge, I see leadership as an ongoing process of nurturing these relationships.

One of the key aspects of my leadership style is balance—balancing control with the flexibility to listen and adapt. I know that effective leadership requires understanding the perspectives and needs of others, which I’ve developed through both my work in campus recreation and my time managing diverse teams in student organizations. My focus on servant leadership ensures that I support my team, allowing them to thrive while we work toward our collective goals.

In joining the Student Leadership Team, I bring a leadership style that is collaborative, vision-driven, and relationship-oriented. My experiences have taught me that the most successful outcomes happen when we work together, support each other, and build strong, trusting relationships. I am committed to using these skills to contribute to the team’s efforts to support students, encourage involvement, and create an inclusive and dynamic environment for growth within NIRSA. By fostering a culture of collaboration and empathy, I believe I can help empower others to find their passion and become effective leaders within the collegiate recreation community.

As a member of the Student Leadership Team, you have the opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the field of collegiate recreation. However, we acknowledge and respect that you are a student first. Explain your strategies for maintaining a healthy balance between your various roles (student, volunteer, athlete, employee, etc.).

Balancing my academic responsibilities, extracurricular roles, and personal life requires effective strategies, with time management and prioritization being at the core. I rely on a structured weekly schedule to allocate time for classes, work, and extracurricular activities, which helps me stay organized and focused. By identifying tasks based on urgency and importance, I tackle high-priority items first, ensuring that I meet deadlines and avoid feeling overwhelmed. This combination of scheduling and prioritizing allows me to focus on what matters most, helping me stay on track in all areas of my life without neglecting any responsibilities.

To support my well-being and recharge, I make time for personal activities that help me relax and connect with others. Spending time with friends, reading, playing sports, and working out are essential for reducing my stress. These activities allow me to disconnect from responsibilities and stay energized, which ultimately makes me more focused and productive when I return to my work and studies.

Another important aspect of maintaining balance is my support system. I am fortunate to have strong support from my family, friends, and mentors, who provide encouragement and guidance when needed. They help me navigate challenges, offer insight, and keep me grounded during stressful times. Their support ensures I stay motivated and focused on my goals, both personally and professionally.

Finally, I proactively seek advice when I feel overwhelmed or uncertain. Whether I need help with managing my workload or advice on balancing my responsibilities, I know that reaching out to mentors and peers for guidance is a valuable resource. This willingness to ask for help allows me to stay on track and gain new perspectives on how to manage my time and tasks effectively.

By employing these strategies—time management, maintaining a balance between work and personal life, and seeking support when necessary—I can manage my various roles effectively. This balanced approach ensures that I can contribute meaningfully to the Student Leadership Team while also excelling in my academic and personal life.