Owen Woodman
University of Colorado Boulder

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.

I highly value the NIRSA Student Leader role and would be honored to serve my region in this capacity. My journey in collegiate recreation began the moment I set foot on campus, and I have been wholeheartedly committed ever since. The state-of-the-art facilities at CU left a lasting impression on me, revealing a vibrant community that extended beyond mere physical spaces. Building enduring connections in my initial roles within Aquatics and the Ice Rink, I was inspired to broaden my industry knowledge and align myself with future career aspirations.

Elevating my involvement, I secured the highest-ranking student position in my facility as a sophomore, concurrently assuming leadership roles in my previous areas. As a leader, I spearheaded comprehensive Aquatics and Ice Rink training, orchestrated high-profile D1 level hockey games, and took on the responsibilities of the highest-ranked student position, overseeing daily operations in the absence of professional staff. Collegiate recreation at CU Boulder has provided me with a nurturing environment to explore every facet of an industry I am profoundly passionate about.

The professional team at CU Boulder has consistently presented me with myriad opportunities for growth and development, aligning seamlessly with the goals I’ve set for myself. I am immensely grateful for the enriching experiences and wouldn’t have it any other way. Serving as a NIRSA Student Leader would be a natural progression in my journey, allowing me to contribute to the broader collegiate recreation community while continuing to learn and lead with dedication.

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?

In my assessment, the predominant issue facing student employees in the campus recreation revolves around company and community culture. Beyond being a mere physical structure, CU’s recreation center serves as a platform for students to forge connections in a wholesome environment. As someone in a supervisory role, I consider it crucial to enhance the well-being of staff by introducing wellness-based incentives. This includes substituting traditional training or in-services with activities like yoga or group fitness classes. Additionally, organizing events such as “GNOs” or “Guard’s Night Out” provides an opportunity for staff to come together, fostering interactions outside the formal workplace setting.

This approach not only promotes a positive work environment but also allows staff members to acquaint themselves with all 40+ of their colleagues, as they typically work with only two others at a time. As a student in the business school, I place a high value on networking. Recognizing that our paths may diverge after graduation, I understand the significance of these connections and how they can influence our careers, making the world seem smaller and emphasizing the importance of relationships no matter where our professional journeys take us. During my term, I would actively promote and enhance such initiatives to strengthen the sense of community and camaraderie among student employees in alignment with the values outlined in the NIRSA Strategic Plan.

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.

Although I haven’t directly engaged with NIRSA, the organization has garnered high praise from both my peers and supervisors. As I navigate the path of my career, I perceive this opportunity as one of unparalleled value that will stay with me throughout my life. As a business student juggling extensive hours at The Rec, I’ve honed various skills, particularly in communication strategy. These skills come into play daily as I interact with both student and professional staff, deliver presentations to sizable audiences, and engage in other aspects of professional preparation, all contributing to my readiness for life after graduation. Being deeply involved as a student employee, I place great importance on the voices and feedback of my peers, recognizing that the building houses over 400 student employees across all areas.

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 would bring a perspective that acknowledges not every student in Campus Rec intends to pursue a career in the field post-graduation. However, I recognize the immense value of the transferable skills acquired within the industry, ranging from fundamental professionalism to essential attributes like risk management and operations skills. These skills are not only practical but also highly sought after by employers, providing lasting benefits throughout one’s professional life.

My personal contribution centers around being an inclusive and interactive leader. In my roles at CU, I make it a point to engage with each of our 12+ unique departments and their respective staff members. While some may not pursue a traditional career in campus recreation, I believe in the importance of involving a diverse array of student and professional staff in NIRSA initiatives. By expanding development and networking opportunities, we not only broaden NIRSA’s member base but also encourage greater participation from individuals within their respective organizations.

This approach not only aligns with the ethos of inclusivity but also serves to enhance the impact of NIRSA’s efforts. It has the potential to cultivate a more engaged and connected community within Campus Rec, fostering a collaborative environment where individuals from varied backgrounds can benefit from the development opportunities NIRSA provides. Overall, my commitment to inclusivity and active engagement positions me to contribute to the Student Leadership Team’s focus on student development and Student Member recruitment and retention.

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

My leadership style can be best described as tenacious, often humorously summarized by my willingness to tackle the infamous “other duties as assigned.” When entrusted with a leadership role or additional responsibilities, I fully immerse myself in the task at hand, taking genuine pride in my work. In my current position at The Rec, I’ve devoted myself to mastering every aspect of our expansive 310,000 sq. ft. facility and understanding the intricacies of its industry-leading operations.

I believe these traits, coupled with my keen eye for facility management, would significantly impact the dynamics of the NIRSA Student Leadership Team. My ability to wholeheartedly embrace a wide variety of tasks, regardless of their field or facet, positions me as a versatile contributor. Whether it involves diving into administrative challenges, operational intricacies, or strategic planning, my tenacity ensures that I approach each task with diligence and commitment.

This tenacious approach not only contributes to the successful execution of responsibilities but also fosters a sense of dedication and enthusiasm within the team. I bring a work ethic that thrives on challenges and embraces the opportunity to learn and adapt. By being deeply immersed in my responsibilities, I aim to inspire a similar level of commitment and passion among fellow team members.

In summary, my tenacious leadership style, coupled with a comprehensive understanding of facility management, offers a valuable asset to the NIRSA Student Leadership Team. I am poised to tackle diverse tasks and contribute actively to the team’s success, fostering a collaborative and results-driven environment.

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.).

Maintaining a healthy balance among my various roles is anchored in my unwavering commitment to prioritize my academic pursuits. Earning my degree with good academic standing remains my top priority. As an undergraduate student at Leeds, CU’s Business School, I acknowledge the challenges that come with academic rigor, but I have consistently ensured that neither my studies nor my work suffer as a result.

In my three years with CU Recreation Services, I have taken on diverse roles and responsibilities while maintaining an open line of communication with my supervisors. This commitment to transparent communication has been instrumental in managing my responsibilities effectively. I intend to extend this same level of communication to the member network, ensuring that I am fully dedicated to the position even amidst other commitments.

I have cultivated the practice of assessing my workload and, when necessary, allowing myself to step back. This decision is always communicated transparently to my teams. I firmly believe that clear and open communication is the cornerstone of a successful team. It not only ensures that everyone is on the same page but also fosters an environment where collaboration and support thrive.

In summary, my approach to balancing various roles revolves around a steadfast commitment to academic excellence, transparent communication with supervisors and team members, and the ability to assess and adjust my commitments when needed. This ensures that I can contribute effectively to all my responsibilities while maintaining a healthy and sustainable balance.