Dylan Linn
Oklahoma State 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 a vital role in higher education, as it provides a place for student to grow in many different ways. The transition from high school to college proves to be a tough adjustment for many. Extracurricular activities have been shown to be beneficial for students, and recreation is a medium that students are attracted to. Personally, finding a space where I felt I belonged and creating relationships with others seemed like an insurmountable wall during my first year at college. Once I applied and received a position as an Intramural Sports Official, I found the space I was searching for. Not only was I able to form lasting friendships with my colleagues, I was also given the opportunity to explore experiences that I hadn’t considered before.

As I advanced into a leadership role at Penn State, I was given even more opportunities to grow as a leader, and as a person. Interacting with students from diverse backgrounds opened my eyes to different perspectives and challenges. It was through these experiences that I realized campus recreation was the career path that I wanted to pursue.

As a Graduate Assistant, I’ve had the privilege of learning more about the student supervision and personal growth within collegiate recreation. The opportunity to work with, assist, and watch students flourish while gaining an education continues to be very impactful for me, and reminds me why I am so grateful to be part of their journey.

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?

I believe one major issue that students face today, within the context of the NIRSA Strategic Plan, is the availability of leadership development resources for professional staff. Campus recreation departments have a big influence on student staff, helping them build important leadership skills like communication and teamwork. However, in order for student staff to get the most out of their jobs, it’s important that the professional staff and Graduate Assistants who manage them are well-equipped to guide and mentor. When these professional staff have the right training and support, they can do a better job of helping students grow as leaders, which will benefit them long after they graduate.

To address this during my term, I would focus on making sure professional staff and Graduate Assistants have the resources and opportunities they need to improve their leadership skills. This could mean advocating for more funding to attend conferences or training programs where they can learn new ways to help students develop leadership abilities. By ensuring that professional staff have access to these kinds of opportunities, we can make sure they are better prepared to help students build leadership skills, ultimately improving the experience of all students involved in campus recreation.

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.

Over the last two years, I have been introduced to many different sides of NIRSA. I have had the privilege of attending three NIRSA conferences and two NIRSA tournaments in three NIRSA regions. Each event has provided me with information and opportunities that continue to help me develop, even months afterwards.

I am currently serving as the Oklahoma State Student Leader where I have interacted with and been able to gain a better grasp of the students that I represent. As a member of the Student Lead-On Committee for the Region IV Conference, I was able to directly impact the students who attended the conference. I helped introduce the values and benefits of NIRSA by presenting “NIRSA 101” with Texas State Student Leader (Sam Lee). Additionally, I was a member of the Graduate Assistant panel, where I talked with undergraduate students about the benefits of being a GA and the transition from student supervisor to Graduate Assistant.

Looking forward, I will be attending the “Peaks to Plains” Region V Basketball Tournament as a member of the Tournament Experience Committee. Having previously attended NIRSA tournaments as a TEC committee member, I will continue to uphold the NIRSA values and provide a space where both participants and staff members can have a fun and safe experience.

I believe that these experiences qualify me to advocate for and serve the students of NIRSA. At each conference and tournament that I attend, I get to meet and connect with students that have diverse backgrounds and interests. I am proud to have attended the events that I have and continue to advocate for and push students to get involved as much as possible!

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 bring a combination of leadership experience, communication skills, and a commitment to inclusivity that will support the Student Leadership Team’s focus on student development and member recruitment and retention. Through my involvement on various campus, I’ve developed strong leadership skills, organizing events that engage students across different backgrounds. I know how to create a welcoming environment that empowers students to get involved, which is crucial for retaining members and fostering long-term engagement within NIRSA. My ability to communicate effectively will help me effectively promote NIRSA’s value to prospective members and keep current members connected.

I am passionate about creating inclusive, community-driven experiences. I always work to ensure that everyone feels welcome and encouraged to participate in campus recreation programs. I would bring this same mindset to NIRSA, ensuring that all students feel like they belong and are supported in their leadership development. By combining my leadership abilities, communication strengths, and focus on inclusivity, I am confident I can contribute to NIRSA’s mission of fostering student growth while also helping to recruit and retain members.

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

As a leader, I try my best to be collaborative and people-oriented. I believe in empowering those around me by actively listening, offering support, and fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. I tend to lead by example by showing up prepared, working alongside my team, or stepping in to help wherever needed. My goal to create an open space where everyone is encouraged to contribute their unique perspectives and ideas.

I also place a strong emphasis on adaptability. I recognize that different situations and team dynamics require different approaches, so I remain flexible in how I lead. Sometimes that means being a hands-on leader, while other times it means stepping back to give others the opportunity to take the lead.

In terms of how this leadership style will benefit both me and the Student Leadership Team, I believe it fosters a culture of trust, collaboration, and mutual respect. When team members feel supported and empowered, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated. My approach will also help build relationships within the team, ensuring we work effectively toward our shared goals. By focusing on the growth and development of the team as a whole, I hope to not only contribute to the success of our initiatives but also ensure that each member feels valued throughout our time together.

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.).

As with all student employees, balancing my roles and commitments can be challenging at times. Juggling work, school, relationships, volunteer work, and other responsibilities is certainly a challenge, but it’s one that becomes more manageable with experience. Over the past few years, I’ve learned the importance of organization and time management in making it all work. One of my key strategies is to keep my calendar up to date, which allows me to plan my day and week effectively. I also create lists of tasks with clear priorities to ensure I stay on track and meet deadlines.

Another approach I’ve found helpful is setting boundaries for myself. While I’m passionate about my work, it’s equally important to recognize when I need time for rest or to focus on my studies. This balance helps me stay energized and avoid burnout. I’ve also leaned on the support of a fantastic network of peers, mentors, and family who continue to push me to be the best version of myself. Their encouragement and advice remind me that I don’t have to do everything on my own, and it’s okay to ask for help when needed.

Ultimately, it’s a continuous process of learning how to prioritize and adjust. With each semester, I get better at managing my time and responsibilities, and I’ve become more confident in my ability to balance my various roles while maintaining a healthy, fulfilling lifestyle.