Lashica Thomas
Columbus State University

How have you advocated collegiate recreation’s value in higher education?

Collegiate recreation can bring major value to higher education. NIRSA has been preparing leaders for years on the chance opportunity that Campus Recreation would be able to play a role in inclusion, well-being, and sustainability. Higher education leaders are looking for new innovative ways and our campus recreation leaders are speaking up. In my current role, I advocate the value of collegiate recreation in different ways. For example, I share the benchmarking studies that NIRSA publishes to upper administration on my campus. The data is one thing, but the success stories of the students paint a more realistic picture. As a campus recreation professional, I also utilize the annual report to demonstrate the day-to-day impact campus recreation has on students. During the Directors meetings, I advocate for the inclusion of campus recreation and seek out campus partners. Campus Recreation programs are making major strides in equity, diversity, and inclusion with programs such as goal ball, badminton, and quidditch. These programs are reaching a population of students who previously did not participate in campus recreation programs. The message is changing from previous decades where campus recreation was just the fun place to go and play. The message I advocate is for higher education to say if you want true change then campus recreation leaders must be in the conversation. I am inviting myself and my team into those conversations, so Campus recreation voices are being heard. I have presented at university meetings the value of Campus Recreation and the benefits to participating to collegiate partners. I am currently working on the development of a student well-being committee that will include campus partners.

In reviewing NIRSA’s 2021-2024 Strategic Plan, what experiences, networks and competencies will you bring to further this work while serving on the board?

This topic is very special to me because I have seen first-hand when upper administration does not see the impact campus recreation professionals have on student success. The more our Campus recreation professionals are seen in the spotlight decreases the perception that all we do is have fun and play with the students. If selected, I would increase the focus that NIRSA places on educating higher education executive administrators on campuses. This priority would help to reinforce the position of Campus Recreation professionals who teach students life skills and prepare them for the work force. I would aid NIRSA’s focus on advocating for campus recreation professionals and their impact in higher education. I would continue working with search firms to help professionals to obtain upper-level positions in higher education. We must continue inviting search firms to attend the NIRSA annual conferences so they can learn how we bring value to an institution. The platform to prioritize well-being is enormous, from our resources and leadership through conferences and workshop creating cultures of well-being. NIRSA’s focus on what is next for higher education and how it affects campus recreation is intuitive because things are changing so let us be proactive instead of reactive. Students today interact differently than they did a decade ago so how do we reach them on their level. One way is to involve current campus recreation participants in focus groups. A second way is to conduct surveys on what ways do students find value. Student priorities do not always line up with higher education so with campus recreation we cab bridge the gap, so everyone finds a place to belong.

What attributes, experiences and knowledge could you contribute to the NIRSA Board of Directors that speak to the competency based requirements?

If selected for the position, I bring 22 years of campus recreation experience, passion for campus recreation and a strong work ethic.

Over the past two decades, I have served in all capacities within campus recreation from a student assistant to a Campus Recreation Director. During that time, I have had different roles and responsibilities that include front desk attendant, graduate assistant, setup crew coordinator, and facility coordinator. Each of those opportunities taught me how to communicate effectively, be a strong leader, how to strategic plan and make timely decisions, display critical thinking skills, and be a strong leader. These experiences lead to my extensive knowledge base in the world of campus recreation as a professional. The time spent in those roles was important because it provided me several perspectives that I can tap into while serving on the board.

I am truly passionate about all things Campus Recreation. I discovered this passion right away during my freshman year in college while participating in Intramural volleyball. I had no idea that the world of Campus Recreation existed. I know that my passion for the field will aid in my drive to have the necessary and tough conversations that will continue pushing our association forward.

I have a strong work ethic something my parents instilled in me since birth. I am the person who will come in early and stay late to get the task completed. The work we do in Campus Recreation is so important that I am willing to make the necessary sacrifices to get things done. I am a highly organized, a highly efficient individual and I take pride in producing quality work. I am ready to continue serving our association in this new capacity as a board member.