Candidate for At-Large Director
Kevin Martin
Texas A&M University Corpus Christi
Biography/Summary Resume
Kevin D Martin Sr. (K-Mart) is the Director of Campus Recreation at the Texas A&M University Corpus- Christi. Kevin has served as a member of NIRSA since 2005 and contributed to the association in various capacities. Kevin began his career at Sam Houston State University working through his first year of graduate school in the Rec Sports Department. That summer he graduated with bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts & Education. He also has master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University.
Kevin started his professional career at UCLA as an Intern for summer camps. Shortly after, he continued to ride the wave, East of Los Angeles to the great state of Riverside. Kevin has served in a variety of roles at the University of California -Riverside before joining the A&M Corpus Christi such as the Diversity Initiatives Liaison, member of Student Life Hazing Committee, Men of Color Retreat Chair, Cross Cultural Officials Retreat Committee and Student Leadership R-Conference Committee. Kevin has continued his committee work on the Island serving as the Chair of the Campus Wellness Committee, Student Wellness Committee, Thrive 365 Wellness Committee, and the Athletic Intercollegiate Council.
As a collegiate recreation professional for 16 years, Kevin has served NIRSA with passion, a kind spirit and love. His leadership involvement has varied at all levels including the national level. K-Mart, as he is affectionately known throughout NIRSA, is a staple of NIRSA Championship Series events. He has been a player and official at state, regional, and national tournaments. His service to NIRSA spans the association from serving on the Nominations and Appointments committee, Program Chair for the NIRSA People of Color Social and the ERSL. Kevin recently Co-Authored a book called Campus Recreation Essentials that highlighted the framework to design and create an effective intramurals program that meets the needs of campus and community participants. Kevin has been a dedicated member to NIRSA working and presenting on the regional and national stage. He has continued his work in other spaces such as NASPA, TX Education Consortium for Male Students of Color and Brother Leading Brothers.
How have you advocated collegiate recreation’s value in higher education?
Reaching back to the roots and history of this rich association has been a passion of mine for over two decades. I have immersed myself into the history, the people, the culture, and the mission of this association. I’m proud to call myself a member of the National Intramural Recreational Sports Association. I have challenged higher education administration, highlighting the value of what we do and the impact our community has on the student experience. I constantly educate university faculty and staff that the outer classroom experience is where students find themselves, community, and life skills they practice for the rest of their lives. According to field-related research, there are benefits to the work we do and the method in which this work is applied in higher education. Some of these include:
- The opportunity to engage other students who share a similar interest in sports, fitness, and other recreational offering.
- Connection to faculty and staff outside of the classroom in a community that fosters overall wellbeing.
- Increased sense of community and connection to the university and campus vibrancy
- Greater knowledge of what the field of recreation has to offer.
I have engaged in several conversations in reference to the importance of NIRSA and how we move forward after Covid 19 pandemic. In-depth conversations have taken place between myself and higher education staff regarding the reimagining of Campus Recreation. It saddens me to witness so many professionals leave the field of recreation in the last couple of years. This exodus has prompted conversations into the root cause of members changing careers, but more importantly, highlighted the personal impact this field has had on professional development. During every keynote address I’ve delivered in the past three years, I have always incorporated collegiate recreation as a staple of the college experience and why it should be woven into the fabric of any university’s culture. Dr. Wasson had a vision and mission; it’s the obligation of all of us to continue to host the banner of collegiate recreation in Higher Education and its impact on students and professionals.
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?
In reviewing the NIRSA 2021-2024 Strategic Plan and strategic values, I will confidently bring an integrated approach, unique background, and global perspective to this committee. As a transformative leader, I have found a delicate balance between team player and conductor of the train. The two go hand in hand and mirror one another in most instances. I have had the pleasure of exercising my leadership in numerous roles in NIRSA for the last ten years and the most valuable lesson leadership has taught me was that getting the teams buy in was beneficial, however influencing the individual to strive to represent something bigger than yourself was the greatest message. Approaching this committee with the ideology of “seeking to understand, then be understood” will be a practice that’s embedded in the work we do and method of cultivating an environment that produces results. I have worked in many capacities of Nirsa and can articulate the different layers and the rich history of this prestige organization. As higher education practitioners, it’s imperative that we advocate for student development and evolution. Anybody that knows Kmart will attest to the passion and energy I put forth into any role I’m assigned. Focusing on our strategic values aligns with my career as a Director of Campus Recreation. There is no limit to the immense experience I’d bring to this committee with the goals of being a champion for humans and moving the goalpost forward.
What attributes, experiences and knowledge could you contribute to the NIRSA Board of Directors that speak to the competency based requirements?
In reviewing this question and reflecting on how it should be answered, the word grateful comes to mind. I have been afforded so many opportunities to serve and connect in a variety of circles. I’m someone that truly understands the pulse of this organization and the community. I can offer a plethora of knowledge, connections, and the impact I have on people from a global view. I have served in many capacities such as serving on the nominations and appointments committee and chairing the People of Color social. I am a person that carries the gift of connecting with people and can speak to some challenges we have as an association. I’ve worked for years in the Nirsa Championship Series, establishing and cultivating many great relationships in the spirit of official and student development. These essential opportunities were influential for my growth as professional; however, I have had a larger calling since I joined NIRSA in 2005.
