Welcome back to the Director Download, a podcast hosted by Grady Sheffield, the director of Campus Recreation at Towson University, and powered by Campus Rec Magazine.
After 22 years as a Marine, Aaron Mowen learned a lot about leadership, communication and focus.
Mowen worked his way up from machine gunner to a first sergeant, and this idea parallels experiences in higher education, going from an intramural officer to the director’s seat. Understanding the perspective of both low-level and senior positions has played a vital role in the leadership skills he holds today.
In this episode of the Director Download, Mowen explores what led to his current role leading Recreation and Wellness at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) — from the dynamic of being a Marine and working in higher education to how he ran a one-person team in his first director role.
He dives into the lessons he’s learned throughout the years, like the importance of timely communication and how he’s excelled in systems-based thinking. Plus, he discusses a partnership between GVSU and the Greater Grand Rapids YMCA bringing success all-around.
This is a can’t-miss episode for long-time leaders and new directors alike.
Episode Highlights:
- 1:09 — How Mowen balanced military service with college and campus recreation work.
- 5:51 — Lessons in discipline, accountability and empathetic leadership.
- 8:32 — Building a campus rec program from the ground up and advocating for its needs.
- 9:51 — The move from a small department at Saginaw State University to GVSU.
- 12:09 — Systems-based thinking, organizational efficiency and student empowerment.
- 15:52 — The university’s partnership with the Greater Grand Rapids YMCA.
- 23:46 — The balance and pressures of being in the director role.
