Lauren Brown

What is your NIRSA “Why”? (What does NIRSA mean to you?)

My NIRSA why is rooted in my deep belief in the power of recreation and wellness to foster community, sense of belonging, personal growth, and leadership among students. NIRSA has been instrumental in my professional development, providing me with the resources, networks and opportunities to continuously learn and grow as a recreation professional. I am committed to enhancing the student experience through holistic well-being initiatives, and NIRSA offers the platform and community that enable us to do this effectively.

Through NIRSA, I’ve seen firsthand how recreation spaces and programs serve as an inclusive supportive environment that empowers student to thrive, develop leadership skills, and build lifelong connections. Being part of a network of passionate professions who share in the same mission strengthens my sense of purpose to serve in various NIRSA leadership and volunteer roles.

NIRSA means more than just a professional association to me; it’s a community of diverse individuals who are all working toward the shared goal of advancing the role of recreation in the collegiate experience. NIRSA gives me the tools to better serve my students, empowers me to advocate for recreational services, and enables me to stay at the forefront of trends and best practices in the field of collegiate recreation. On a personal level, NIRSA conferences and volunteer opportunities has helped build invaluable connections who are supportive mentors and colleagues. These relationships have enriched my career and have given me a sense of belonging in a field I am deeply passionate about.

What are the current trends in collegiate recreation and higher education that you see impacting our work and the Association? How would you collaborate with the members in your region and the Member Network team to solve these issues?

One of the greatest opportunities in collegiate recreation is the growing recognition of the crucial role recreation plays in supporting student well-being and academic success. As mental health challenges continue to rise across campuses, there is an increasing need for comprehensive wellness programs that go beyond physical fitness to address mental, social, and emotional health. Collegiate recreation programs are uniquely positioned to meet these needs by offering holistic wellness initiatives that engage students in a variety of ways.

For NIRSA, I see an opportunity to enhance both recruitment and retention efforts. While NIRSA already provides immense value to professionals in collegiate recreation, there is potential to broaden the association’s reach and attract new members who may not yet fully understand the range of benefits NIRSA offers. Equally important is ensuring that current members feel consistently supported and engaged. Building a strong sense of community and offering tailored, relevant resources will help members feel connected and committed to the mission of the association.

Another opportunity lies in recognizing and celebrating the outstanding work our colleagues are doing at the institutional, state, and regional levels—particularly in areas like integrating health and well-being, promoting inclusive excellence through an anti-racist and equity lens, and developing innovative techniques for learning and education. By collaborating with Region V Student Leaders, State Directors, and other key stakeholders, I would work to develop targeted goals and initiatives focused on enhancing communication and engagement. A challenge for Region V, however, is the low number of award nominations submitted for conference recognition. To address this, we could encourage greater participation by acknowledging and celebrating achievements throughout the year via newsletters, social media, and at Region V conferences or state workshops.

Additionally, I believe we can adapt the successful strategies employed by NIRSA Leadership at the regional level, such as Instagram live chats, member spotlights, and sharing accomplishments. We can also assess the virtual engagement needs of our members and identify innovative, sustainable ways to keep them connected, engaged, and informed year-round.

I believe I can contribute to the Member Network by focusing on recruitment through awareness and outreach, with a particular emphasis on targeting new professionals, graduate students, and individuals from underrepresented areas in Region V. Retaining members, however, requires more than recruitment—it’s about ensuring members feel supported throughout their careers. I would contribute by strengthening communication around NIRSA’s mentorship programs, specialized professional development tracks, and ensuring that NIRSA’s resources continue to evolve in alignment with members’ changing needs. As Region V Representative, I would prioritize gathering regular feedback from members to better understand their challenges and identify areas where they need more support.

In summary, I would work closely with the Member Network team to align NIRSA’s recruitment and engagement efforts with the evolving needs of the field. This would include fostering a stronger sense of community, offering tailored professional development opportunities, and ensuring the benefits of membership are clearly communicated and accessible to all members.

How has your experience in your state, region, and/or NIRSA prepared you to serve on the Member Network? What unique skills or talents would you bring to the Member Network?

I have been fortunate to have numerous opportunities within NIRSA to grow both personally and professionally over the past 13 years. The connections I’ve made through NIRSA have become more than just colleagues—they have become my friends and family. I often reflect on how much I’ve grown and how I might not still be in this field if it weren’t for the ability to engage with inspiring individuals, learn from leaders, and contribute to the association’s mission. These authentic connections have shaped who I am today, and they continue to fuel my passion for this work. As a member of the Member Network, I would leverage these experiences to align NIRSA’s goals and priorities with those of Region V members and students, working to ensure that the association continues to meet the evolving needs of our community.

My diverse experiences on NIRSA’s caucuses, councils, and committees have provided me with a unique perspective, allowing me to recognize both the strengths and inefficiencies within NIRSA’s initiatives and Strategic Plan. This insight positions me to make meaningful contributions to NIRSA’s ongoing growth and success. Throughout my career in campus recreation and wellness, I have remained deeply engaged with NIRSA through volunteer roles and consistent professional development opportunities. As a graduate student, I served as Region IV Student Leader, which sparked my passion for service and leadership within the field. My time as a Student Leader on the Member Network also provided invaluable experience that would help me be successful in this role.

I have also had the privilege of representing Region V on the NIRSA Assembly, where I honed my skills in strategic thinking and engaged in meaningful civil discourse. Additionally, my time on the NIRSA Foundation Board helped me grow my abilities in stewardship and sponsorship. These roles allowed me to collaborate with a wide range of members, gaining firsthand insight into their needs and priorities, which would enable me to effectively represent Region V at the national level.

One of my key strengths is my ability to create inclusive spaces that foster connection and collaboration. As a co-facilitator of the LGBTQ+ Caucus, I learned how to bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued. This skill will allow me to contribute meaningfully to the Member Network by fostering an environment where members feel supported and engaged. Additionally, my experience presenting at NIRSA conferences and writing for NIRSA publications has strengthened my communication skills, enabling me to share ideas effectively, facilitate important dialogues, and engage with members in ways that resonate across the association. Whether through written content, presentations, or discussions, I am confident in my ability to communicate key messages and keep members informed and connected.

My involvement in scholarship, nomination, and award committees has given me the experience necessary to support volunteer recruitment and drive participation in applications. I’ve seen firsthand that leadership is needed and possible at every level of the organization, and I strive to encourage and empower others to step into those roles. My approach to leadership is rooted in collaboration and continuous learning, qualities that align well with the responsibilities of the Region V Representative. Finally, my advocacy experience equips me to actively listen to the needs of members, advocate for key initiatives, and drive the changes that will support the growth and success of our community.

In sum, I am deeply committed to NIRSA’s mission and excited about the opportunity to serve as Region V Representative. I bring a wealth of experience in leadership, communication, and advocacy that will allow me to make meaningful contributions to NIRSA’s efforts to recruit, engage, and retain members while supporting the needs of our diverse community.