Nine for Nine Candidate #6: Mick McComber

Nine for Nine was designed to help students get to know prominent NIRSA professionals through interviews about various campus recreation topics.

Mick is the Region V Vice President and the Director of Campus Recreation at University of Minnesota- Duluth.

1. Can you give a background story about how you got interested and involved in campus recreation?

Since a very young age I’ve been heavily involved in sport and outdoor activities. I was fortunate to have parents and grandparents who valued involvement in these areas and provided ample opportunities. Northern Minnesota is a great place to experience the different seasons via the outdoors, and that’s one of the main reasons I’ve stayed. Although I was heavily involved in campus recreation as an undergrad, I never really considered it as a career track until just after I had graduated.

2. You have two very important jobs. You serve as the Regional Vice President and as Director of Campus Recreation. How does your association position as vice president enrich your job as a director?

The opportunity to serve on the Board of Director’s affords me the chance to be among leaders in our field. Whether discussing board business or in informal conversations I am exposed to best thinking and best practices within our field. I’ve also had the chance to see the impact of our programs and services in places other than just on my own campus, which is reassuring and rewarding.

3. What is your favorite aspect about being a Regional Vice President? Least Favorite?

I feel tremendously fortunate to have served with outstanding people…just good people with big hearts and a vision for our profession. I enjoy discussions around strategy and direction and considering different opinions and philosophies. I also am thankful for the opportunity to contribute to a field that has been so important to my life and brings so much to the lives of others.

4. Many students I meet have never realized campus recreation can be a career pathway. In many aspects we are the best kept secret on campuses. How can we do a better job about spreading the word?

This comes down to how invested professional staff members are in the development of students, particularly student employees. I think a basic step is encouraging students to attend a state meeting or lead-on and to get exposed to the world of campus recreation outside their own backyard. From experience I think that the personal approach is the best route rather than some sort of “process”… taking a student aside and initiating a conversation about the field, the opportunities, the good and the bad that comes with the profession, etc.

5. On many occasions campus recreation is an unappreciated department on campuses. How can we distinguish ourselves from the notion that all we do is provide treadmills and gyms?

Collaboration and strategic partnering is a good start…working the student unions, under-represented student groups, housing, etc… I also think it is important for staff to effectively communicate all of the other things, like learning outcomes for instance, that are derived from participation. Becoming familiar with the latest research pertaining to our role in recruitment, retention, satisfaction with college experience, etc… It’s all about educating others.

6. It’s almost time for the annual conference. Do you have any advice for students applying for graduate assistant and full time positions?

First off, it isn’t do or die…don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Get some rest and try to enjoy other aspects of the conference. Keep your options open as to what you are interested in, for instance, don’t limit yourself by geography (it’s only a one or two year commitment). Network, network, network…don’t hesitate to ask those you know if they know folks from the institution you are applying at. Do some homework about the school and department.

7. Looking on bluefish.com you can see there are an abundance of GA positions open, which often leads to a large applicant pool for each position. How can a student stand out to the school of their choice?

The best way to answer that question is to tell you what we look for in an individual: can they communicate effectively, can they think critically (problem-solving), do they model our values (do they lead a healthy, active life), do they exude energy and a passion for student development, and would they be a good role model?

8. What kind of effect do you see NIRSA having on universities and other higher education associations in the future?

Certainly our work with other higher education associations and the adoption of CAS standards has resulted in an increased awareness of NIRSA and the recreation profession. I think we need to continue working on projects like Learning Reconsidered I & II and vigorously express the value and outcomes of our programs and services. NIRSA’s commitment to things like the National Research Institute helps towards that end. The challenge is to not get complacent and continue seizing opportunities as they arise.

9. A large part about being a student is learning to manage your time well. How do you create time for recreational activities while acting as the Regional VP and as a Director?

Good question. It isn’t just professional obligations that get in the way but kids and other commitments, too. I often find myself in conversation with other NIRSA members and we talk about the irony of our situations; that we preach the value of recreation to everyone but sometimes don’t make the time for ourselves to partake. What I’ve resorted to is actually scheduling it in, whether that’s committing to a golf league or basketball officiating. Sometimes, it just comes down to being selfish and setting other things aside.

Thank you Mick for your time, and commitment to NIRSA.