Vice President Candidate:
Kenneth Strong
Institution: Temple University
Current Position: Operations Coordinator
What NIRSA/PIRSA or organizational experience do you have that makes you the best candidate to move PIRSA forward?
"I attended the NIRSA Region I Conference in 2024, which was my first NIRSA conference. As a graduate intern, it was a great opportunity to really understand what Campus Recreation has to offer and to connect with others in the field. It helped me see the bigger picture of the profession and where I can grow within it. I’ve also taken part in several online webinars through NIRSA’s learning and connecting platform to continue building my knowledge and staying engaged with current conversations in the field. I’m eager to get more involved in both organizations. In these early years of my career, I want to fully invest in learning and gaining experience before stepping into deeper engagement roles. My goal is to build a strong foundation and develop my own perspective on Campus Recreation first. From there, I see professional organizations helping shape and grow new ideas that I can bring back to my career and the organization I serve."
How will this position set you up for success in your current role and future aspirations?
"I believe the most valuable thing this opportunity can offer for my future success is experience. Serving in this role would allow me to work closely with the president and collaborate with different committees, which would broaden my understanding of how the organization operates as a whole. It would also give me the chance to explore new ideas and approaches for planning and enhancing PIRSA events. Working in facilities has taught me that real growth comes from hands-on experience. You learn the most when you navigate challenges, adapt in the moment, and reflect afterward. Those situations often lead to lessons and ideas you would not gain otherwise. I also see this role as a strong step in my leadership development. It would push me to try new approaches, refine my leadership style, and continue finding ways to elevate how I lead and support others."
If offered the position, what new ideas would you bring to the leadership team in regards to member engagement, program development and the future of PIRSA?
"As a newer member of PIRSA, I had a lot of questions, thoughts, and even suggestions, but I wasn’t always sure where to direct them. One idea I have is creating a Google Form connected to the PIRSA email account so members can easily submit questions, feedback, or ideas. That way, leadership can respond directly and stay connected to what members are thinking. I would also love to see virtual Zoom roundtables for professionals across the state. These sessions could give members the chance to share ideas, talk through challenges, and learn from one another in a more localized setting. I’ve participated in NIRSA roundtables, and they’re incredibly valuable. However, sometimes the conversations reflect environments that are very different from what we experience here in our state. Creating more state-focused conversations could help us generate ideas that are more relevant and immediately applicable. Overall, I’m excited about finding new ways to bring the PIRSA community together and strengthen those connections across Pennsylvania."
Additional comments from the candidate:
"I’ve been part of Campus Recreation since my early undergrad years at East Stroudsburg University. I started as a rec attendant with no idea it would end up shaping my career. What felt like just a campus job at first quickly became the place where I learned a lot about myself and really grew through the different roles I had. I was fortunate to find great mentors in the professional staff and graduate assistants there. They poured into me, challenged me, and helped me see my potential. Even now, I still reach out to them for advice. Because of everything Campus Recreation has given me, I feel a responsibility to give back. The lessons, experiences, and relationships I built there played a huge role in shaping me into the person and professional I am today."
Institution: Temple University
Current Position: Operations Coordinator
What NIRSA/PIRSA or organizational experience do you have that makes you the best candidate to move PIRSA forward?
"I attended the NIRSA Region I Conference in 2024, which was my first NIRSA conference. As a graduate intern, it was a great opportunity to really understand what Campus Recreation has to offer and to connect with others in the field. It helped me see the bigger picture of the profession and where I can grow within it. I’ve also taken part in several online webinars through NIRSA’s learning and connecting platform to continue building my knowledge and staying engaged with current conversations in the field. I’m eager to get more involved in both organizations. In these early years of my career, I want to fully invest in learning and gaining experience before stepping into deeper engagement roles. My goal is to build a strong foundation and develop my own perspective on Campus Recreation first. From there, I see professional organizations helping shape and grow new ideas that I can bring back to my career and the organization I serve."
How will this position set you up for success in your current role and future aspirations?
"I believe the most valuable thing this opportunity can offer for my future success is experience. Serving in this role would allow me to work closely with the president and collaborate with different committees, which would broaden my understanding of how the organization operates as a whole. It would also give me the chance to explore new ideas and approaches for planning and enhancing PIRSA events. Working in facilities has taught me that real growth comes from hands-on experience. You learn the most when you navigate challenges, adapt in the moment, and reflect afterward. Those situations often lead to lessons and ideas you would not gain otherwise. I also see this role as a strong step in my leadership development. It would push me to try new approaches, refine my leadership style, and continue finding ways to elevate how I lead and support others."
If offered the position, what new ideas would you bring to the leadership team in regards to member engagement, program development and the future of PIRSA?
"As a newer member of PIRSA, I had a lot of questions, thoughts, and even suggestions, but I wasn’t always sure where to direct them. One idea I have is creating a Google Form connected to the PIRSA email account so members can easily submit questions, feedback, or ideas. That way, leadership can respond directly and stay connected to what members are thinking. I would also love to see virtual Zoom roundtables for professionals across the state. These sessions could give members the chance to share ideas, talk through challenges, and learn from one another in a more localized setting. I’ve participated in NIRSA roundtables, and they’re incredibly valuable. However, sometimes the conversations reflect environments that are very different from what we experience here in our state. Creating more state-focused conversations could help us generate ideas that are more relevant and immediately applicable. Overall, I’m excited about finding new ways to bring the PIRSA community together and strengthen those connections across Pennsylvania."
Additional comments from the candidate:
"I’ve been part of Campus Recreation since my early undergrad years at East Stroudsburg University. I started as a rec attendant with no idea it would end up shaping my career. What felt like just a campus job at first quickly became the place where I learned a lot about myself and really grew through the different roles I had. I was fortunate to find great mentors in the professional staff and graduate assistants there. They poured into me, challenged me, and helped me see my potential. Even now, I still reach out to them for advice. Because of everything Campus Recreation has given me, I feel a responsibility to give back. The lessons, experiences, and relationships I built there played a huge role in shaping me into the person and professional I am today."