Episode 36: Relational Leadership in Action with MIT's Stephanie Smith by Campus Rec Magazine

In this episode of the Supplier Voice podcast, Lauren Gilbert, the CEO of Arly, shares how her organization is redefining youth program management for campus recreation departments. Drawing from 30 years of research-backed experience, Gilbert explains how Arly is helping universities streamline complex programming needs through one powerful platform.

Episode 35: From Japan to Missouri, Ashleigh Lewellen Shares Her Unscripted Path to Leadership by Campus Rec Magazine

Welcome to the Director Download, powered by Campus Rec Magazine.

It’s time to go behind the curtain of the director role and have honest discussions with leaders in the campus recreation industry.   

In this episode, host Grady Sheffield, the director of Campus Recreation at Towson University and senior advisor to Campus Rec Magazine, chats with Lynn Thompson, the senior director of Recreation and Wellbeing at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC)

Lynne Thompson didn’t always see herself as a director. But through maximizing every role she stepped into and building a career grounded in mentorship, psychological safety, and team development, she’s become a leader shaping the future of campus recreation.

Thompson and Sheffield cover everything from building a culture of psychological safety and empowering staff, to navigating professional boundaries and growing wellness-focused programming. Thompson’s people-first leadership style and passion for continuous improvement offer practical insights for anyone seeking to strengthen their team and drive student success.

So, whether you’re looking to enhance your leadership approach, better support your staff, or gain inspiration for the future of recreation and well-being, this episode is full of valuable lessons you can put into practice today.

Enjoy!

In this episode, host Grady Sheffield, the director of Campus Recreation at Towson University and senior advisor to Campus Rec Magazine, sits down with Jeff Keenan, the director of Rec Sports at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

Keenan’s journey through campus recreation has taken him across the country, from outdoor adventures in Wisconsin to leadership roles on the East Coast. His career path is a testament to adaptability, professional growth and the power of student development in recreation.

In this podcast episode, Dan Sawyer, the CEO of Brock USA, shares his 25-year journey of pioneering athlete safety, sustainability and innovation in the sports field industry. From founding Brock USA in 1998 to revolutionizing shock pad technology, Sawyer discusses his passion for data-driven solutions and the drive to protect athletes on artificial turf fields.

The conversation explores:

• Key Challenges in Campus Rec: Managing aging infrastructure, balancing budgets, and addressing sustainability demands.

• Innovations in Artificial Turf: How technological advancements are addressing misconceptions about artificial turf's environmental impact and safety.

• Sustainability Trends: The shift away from microplastics and the rise of organic infill solutions driven by European regulations.

• Real-World Solutions: Case studies from Ohio State and the University of Michigan highlight how Brock USA's products enhance safety, sustainability, and long-term field durability.

Sawyer reflects on the importance of safety, sustainability and innovation, emphasizing campus rec professionals play a crucial role in providing quality facilities for students. His commitment to environmental responsibility and athlete protection is evident in every project Brock USA undertakes.

Episode 32: Alex Rich at Moraine Valley Community College by Campus Rec Magazine

In this episode, host Grady Sheffield, the director of Campus Recreation at Towson University and senior advisor to Campus Rec Magazine, sits down with Troy Vaughn, the senior director of Campus Recreation at the University of Arizona.

Vaughn’s 35-year career has been filled with passion, professional growth and a commitment to making a difference in students’ lives. He shares his journey from graduate assistantship at Indiana University to leadership roles at Southeast Missouri State, SIU Carbondale and now the University of Arizona.

Michele Muth’s path into campus rec wasn’t your typical route. As such, she’s got some insights on how she’s using her business savvy to run a thriving rec center.

Even better is that she shares them in this episode of the Director Download, with your host Grady Sheffield, the director of Campus Recreation at Towson University and the senior advisor to Campus Rec Magazine.

Muth, the director of Campus Recreation, CENTERS at Marshall University, and Sheffield talk about everything from budget juggling and facility management to boosting student engagement. Muth’s unique approach blends business with recreation in a way that’s super practical, especially if you’re looking to run your department more efficiently while keeping your students at the heart of everything you do.

So, whether you’re trying to improve staff retention, streamline your operations, or just get some fresh leadership inspiration, this episode is packed with tips you can start using right away. Enjoy!

In this episode, host Grady Sheffield, the director of Campus Recreation at Towson University and the senior advisor to Campus Rec Magazine, gives you the listener real and authentic conversation between himself and special guest Felicia Tittle, the executive director of Recreation and Physical Education at Duke University.

Tittle, known for her impactful leadership and unique career journey, shares insights on her path from a non-traditional background to becoming a leader in campus recreation. She discusses her educational background, her time working as a correctional officer and probation officer, and how those roles shaped her approach to leadership.

In addition, Tittle highlights the importance of patience, emotional intelligence and intentionality in fostering a healthy culture within her department. Tittle also reflects on the challenges and politics of leading in higher education and her commitment to creating inclusive and transformative recreational spaces.

Throughout the conversation, Tittle’s dedication to her team and her mission to impact lives positively shines through, offering valuable lessons on leadership, personal growth and community engagement.