Campus Rec Podcast

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.

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 Andrew Reddish, the director of The WELL at Sacramento State University.

Reddish, who grew up in Northern California, shares his journey from a small town to his current role at Sacramento State. He talks about his educational background and how his passion for sports and fitness shaped his career. Reddish explains the unique model of The WELL, which integrates recreation and health services under one roof, and how this setup enhances student wellness.

The discussion delves into Reddish’s various roles and experiences, from refereeing intramural sports to overseeing recreational therapy and staff development. He emphasizes the importance of customer service, brand building and the transferable skills he gained through his marketing studies. Reddish also reflects on the challenges and rewards of being a director, highlighting the importance of vulnerability, continuous learning and team building.

Throughout the episode, Reddish's dedication to campus recreation and his human-centered leadership approach shine through. He shares valuable insights on balancing professional responsibilities, fostering a supportive team environment, and making a positive impact on students' lives.

Enjoy the conversation that follows.

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 the senior advisor to Campus Rec Magazine, gives you the listener real and authentic conversation between himself and special guest Shelbi Long, the director of recreation at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn).

Long shares her journey from her athletic roots at Lock Haven University, through various roles within campus recreation, to her current position at UPenn. She delves into her transition from athlete to administrator, the influence of mentorship on her career and her approach to leadership — which prioritizes people first and looks to foster strong relationships.

Moreover, Long discusses the complexities of operating within the Ivy League environment, emphasizing the unique challenges and the strategic necessity of being adaptable and resilient.

As Long approaches significant milestones in her career, she reflects on the evolution of her roles and the broader implications for campus recreation leadership, providing valuable insights for current and aspiring directors in the field.

Enjoy this conversation that offers a glimpse into the life of a campus recreation director.

In this episode of the Campus Rec Magazine podcast, supplier voice edition, Heather Hartmann, the editor of Campus Rec Magazine, sits down with Carter Collins, the owner and director of operations and education at IFTA, to discuss the future of fitness and wellness, how both areas can be integrated, ways to utilize digital tools and technology, and more.

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 the senior advisor to Campus Rec Magazine, gives you the listener real and authentic conversation between himself and special guest Maureen McGonagle, the director of Campus Recreation, CENTERS LLC at DePaul University.

McGonagle is a campus rec legend and walks listeners back to how she first entered the field. She discusses what CENTERS is and how it's impacted the industry.

Plus, McGonagle shares with Sheffield on what makes DePaul different and why she's been so involved in NIRSA, although she initially couldn't get elected to save her life.

Finally, with her impending retirement in July 2024, McGonagle reflects on the evolution of challenges as a director and how she wants to be remembered.

Enjoy their conversation.

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 the senior advisor to Campus Rec Magazine, gives you the listener real and authentic conversation between himself and special guest Scott Haines, the director of campus recreation at SUNY Brockport.

Haines walks Sheffield through how he came to SUNY Brockport, which started with a question concerning hockey. With that — and a great first experience at NIRSA — he was sold on the industry.

Finding his footing in campus recreation, Haines details what has made him the most successful as a director, the two-percent of the job he doesn’t like and the one thing he was afraid of stepping into the role.

Finally, he shares on opening a new facility and why he doesn’t think you should delay.

Enjoy the conversation between Haines and Sheffield.

In this episode of the Campus Rec Magazine podcast, supplier voice edition, host Heather Hartmann, the editor of Campus Rec Magazine, sits down with Ruben Mejia, the executive vice president of SportsArt America.