Lauren Brown
Red Rocks Community College

What do you see as opportunities in collegiate recreation and our Association? How would you collaborate with the Member Network team to address these issues?

These past few years, NIRSA leaders have aimed to keep us connected through a challenging time in this world, and worked to re-engage us “after” the pandemic. It is essential to build upon the progress of our previous leaders to create clear objectives that support NIRSA’s Strategic Plan, 2021-2024. As the next Region V Representative term is 2023-2025, there could be an opportunity to provide input for the next NIRSA Strategic Plan.

My experiences and connections in collegiate recreation have exposed me to the disengagement of professionals and students within NIRSA. NIRSA has made efforts in creating relatable content through implementing publications such as EDI Resource Guide, CAS Standards, Health & Well-being Task Force, and publications of Campus Recreation Essentials. There are opportunities to leverage and build on this work and communicate these tangible resources to new members and students to help prevent disengagement of professionals and students. My most recent experiences at smaller schools and programs, particularly at a community college, inspire me to help find more ways to support and share resources with similar institutions across our association. I would utilize this position to connect and share the hard work being created by the NIRSA Small Programs Committee.

One initiative I see an opportunity to spark involvement is recognizing the great work our colleagues and peers are doing at the institution, state, and regional level, particularly relating to integrating health & well-being, inclusive excellence through an anti-racist and equity lens and providing innovative techniques learning and education. I would collaborate with our Region V Student Leader and State Directors/Student Leaders to develop goals and initiatives related to communication and engagement efforts. A challenge for Region V is lack of nominations of leaders through awards at conferences. We can engage and recruit submissions by creatively acknowledging the achievements of our institutions and members throughout the year as well in the newsletter, social media or at Region V Conferences/State Workshops. I believe we can replicate what NIRSA Leadership is doing at the regional level through Instagram live chats, sharing photos/achievements and member spotlights. We can assess the needs of members for virtual engagement throughout the year and learn how to best recruit members to develop innovative and sustainable opportunities to connect and share information. As a representative, I will collaborate with the Member Network by providing feedback and brainstorming new strategies or initiatives based on needs and communication from the Region. My intention would be to lead and strive for inclusive excellence and approach initiatives and communication with an anti-racist and equity lens. My strength in individualization shows how I’ve continuously adapted my communication styles in order to first listen, then customize an approach to an audience for more effective engagement.

In describing your contributions to NIRSA, identify how your involvement and experiences meet the position criteria and qualify you to serve NISRA in this role.

I’ve been fortunate to have opportunities within NIRSA to develop both personally and professionally as a member for 11 years. My NIRSA connections have become my friends and family. I would not be the person I am nor would I still be in this field without the ability to engage with folx, learn from leaders, and contribute to the association. By continually building these authentic connections, I will strive to align NIRSA’s interests and goals with those of Region V members and students. My varied experiences serving on NIRSA’s Caucasus, councils, and committees provide me with a unique perspective to also see inefficiencies within NIRSA’s initiatives and Strategic Plan and more effectively contribute to their growth and success.

Throughout my career with campus recreation and wellness, I’ve maintained engagement in NIRSA through volunteer and service roles and consistent professional development opportunities. As a graduate student, I served as Region IV Student Leader where my passion for learning and service began. The insight and experience I gained as a Student on the Member Network would prepare me to be successful in this role. I have represented Region V by serving on the NIRSA Assembly, developing my skills in strategic thinking and engaging in civil discourse, and on the NIRSA Foundation Board, growing my skills in stewardship and sponsorship. My experiences contributing to many scholarship, nomination, and award committees will aid in the recruitment of volunteers and applications. My professional and NIRSA journey has demonstrated that leadership is needed and capable at all levels. My leadership shines through being a collaborator and a learner, which would align with the responsibilities and role of the Region V Representative.

Please share your ideas for engaging volunteers and identifying leaders in your region.

I began and continued my professional career exclusively in Region V starting at South Dakota State University. My intention would be to build on my 10 years of active involvement to serve as a liaison between Region V community and NIRSA Leadership. Region V may be small in numbers, but we are mighty! That is evident in the service record of our members, the increase or ‘bounce back’ of our NIRSA membership, and recent engagement in our 2022 Region V Conference.

As a Region V Leader, it would be my goal to identify and utilize my resources to connect and engage with professionals and students in our Region. I will focus on cultivating a strong partnership or mentorship with the Region V Student Leader. The Member Network is comprised of many teams or networks within itself – Member Network as a whole, Student Leadership Team, specific initiatives work teams, and 2-person regional teams. I would find where I fit within each team, which role I am most effective, and how I can contribute. These are essential in cultivating leadership.

In order to cultivate leaders and engage volunteers, I would rely on the teamwork of the Regional Leadership Team composed of State Directors and Student State/Provincial Leaders, to operate as an extension of the Member Network. I envision us collaborating to determine how to best communicate to our regional members, how to implement initiatives specific to our region, and how to identify and provide opportunities for students and professionals to get involved. We will brainstorm new ideas on how to promote development opportunities such as scholarship, awards and recognition, conferences attendance and participation, and tournaments. I would support the Region V Student Leader’s guidance and management of the Student State/Provincial Leaders to identify potential student leaders and develop leadership opportunities.

I found my stride in my new position at Red Rocks Community College. I am empowered to volunteer and serve Region V on the Member Network as I can confidently dedicate the time and intentionality necessary to succeed. My motivation derives from connecting and learning from leaders in the field, representing my community, and my love for Region V. Serving as the Region V Representative would allow me to utilize my skillset and experience to give back and support others in this work.