Nine for Nine

Hey Region V! I hope the semester is off to a good start, (I know many football seasons are!). As a student leader I think it’s important to get to know the professionals that work hard to keep our association running. In an effort to help you get to know our board of directors, prominent professionals and just great all around people, I have created Nine for Nine. Nine Questions for Nine Professionals. Throughout the year I will be interviewing them on various topics on student development and other pressing issues.

Our first candidate is Vicki Highstreet, NIRSA President and Senior Assistant Director of Campus Recreation at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. We are extremely fortunate to have the president of our association in our region as she will be making many appearances at state workshops, the student lead on (Which is Friday, Nov. 14th! Save the Date!), and the national conference. Be sure to introduce yourself when you see Vicki.

How did you get your start in campus recreation?
I started in campus recreation in a round-about way. I was a teacher, and decided to get my masters. I was working at the health center as a graduate student who was asked to develop a non-credit fitness program. The graduate assistantship turned into a full time job. Campus Recreation had very few facilities at the time, but we're just getting ready to build a new Campus Recreation Center. Stan Campbell, the Director of Campus Recreation, had conversations with me about moving to Campus Recreation and the timing was right to expand the program. There were only 5 professionals at the time and now we’ve exploded to 35 - 40 professionals. I guess you could say I evolved into campus recreation. And one of the best parts is that my job is different everyday and every year.



What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
By far it’s the ability to bring in new students whether undergraduates or graduate students and mentor them through this phase of their careers. It is our responsibility to mentor them and provide opportunities for them so that when they leave the University of Nebraska they have the experiences and skills necessary to market themselves in the profession.


As NIRSA President, you are faced with a wide range of duties, any suggestions to students on how to balance life, work and play?
I think the biggest thing is surrounding yourself with people who have the passion and skills that complement you, and then trusting them to fulfill their responsibilities and contribute to the whole. If you think you can do it all yourself, you won’t be happy, and you won’t be as successful because others bring different talents and are often times more experienced. Knowing how to let people do what they do best is key to accomplishing the end goals. And always show your gratitude for the contributions of others.



What role do you see students playing in the association (NIRSA) as it progresses?
The exciting part of the new governance model is that it will involve so many more members (students and professionals) in the progress of the association. There are so many more opportunities to get involved. The students will have the same opportunities for creating new ideas, working through the development process and, implementing them and any other member. All it will take is initiative. There involvement will enhance our opportunity to stay on the cutting edge of our profession, giving our clientele what they need to be successful in our programs.


In your opinion, how does NIRSA enable/enhance the student members?
As we all gain new experiences, participation in Collegiate Recreational Sports enhances your ability to work with people, which is what our profession is about. If you take advantage of the diversity available in a Rec Sports work settings you will develop your communication skills, your problem solving skills, the ability to think outside the box, and your ability to develop and follow through with new ideas. We are a profession that, for the most part, encourages new ideas on all levels. NIRSA members like to see everyone succeed. We help each other- it’s all about making each other better. Our ability and desire to provide the avenue to learn life skills, no matter where you end up, no matter what profession you end up in, is a large enhancement to the student experience. Get involved! Be an active member.


Throughout your career, what would you say is the most memorable moment of your NIRSA experience? Why does that particular incident stand out?
The longer I’m in the profession I think the thing that gives me the most satisfaction is when I have the opportunity to see my former graduate students go out into the professional work force and, not only succeed, but make an impact on the profession. Putting in face-to-face time at conferences and workshops with the people who have gone through our program and are all over the United States is extremely rewarding. I have such pride in their accomplishments and the professionals they have become.



As a leader in campus recreation, how do you motivate those around you?
I think you give them permission to fail and in doing so you encourage them to take risks, to do things without fear of being called out or called down When a failure happens they can assess the situation and talk about what they would do differently and what they learned from it. I think you often times learn more from failing then succeeding. But if you never take the risk you never know what you could accomplish, and you never know how far you can go in your own creativity.



What advice would you give students of Region V (and student members nationally)?
(I wish I would’ve had someone tell me this earlier!) You need to step out of your home (the department you’re in, the school you’re at, your comfort zone) and see how other people are doing things. See how they’re solving problems, the same problems that you may be experiencing. You need to take advantage of the opportunity to have conversations with professionals and fellow students and learn from each other. Your discussions about what worked or what didn’t gives you a new perspective on your job. Take advantage of every chance you get to go to a workshop/conference and network. Networking has many benefits, of which one is others learn who you are and what your interests are. The professionals notice you when you take the initiative to step out of your comfort zone and introduce yourself. Another benefit is that it allows you to talk candidly to someone at your career level or any level. You should not be intimidated by someone who has 5, 15 or 20 years on you. They had professionals that worked with them as students and now they want to talk with you. It is a great component of preparation for the next phase of your career.



What’s your favorite color?
I probably should say red. But really my favorite color is blue.


Thank you, Vicki, for your time and advice.