Welcome to the Director Download, powered by Campus Rec Magazine.
It’s time to go behind the curtain of the director role and have honest discussions with leaders in the campus recreation industry.
In this episode, host Grady Sheffield, the director of Campus Recreation at Towson University and the senior advisor to the Campus Rec Mastermind Groups, gives you the listener real and authentic conversation between himself and special guest Rob Simels, the associate director of Student Life and Recreation and Wellness at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ).
Simels dives into what inspired him to get into campus recreation and the first director role he had. Through the years, he’s found himself gaining experience from smaller schools, juggling being a new parent and the opening of a facility, and starting a program at TCNJ that is his pride and joy.
Finally, at the end of the conversation, Simels shares some big news as to what lies ahead for him. As you listen, note the changes that have impacted him and how to apply the two pieces of advice he shares for aspiring directors.
Show Notes from the Conversation with Rob Simels
- How a New Yorker found himself down south studying biology at 2:28.
- What inspired Simels to get into campus rec at 4:10.
- He shares at 6:27 the culture shock he experienced as a coordinator.
- Was Simels ready for his first director role? He answers that question at 9:38.
- How did he come to be over Student Life at TCNJ? Listen at 13:36.
- At 15:42, Simels shares how experience at smaller schools has impacted him from a budget aspect.
- Reflecting on Simels being 29-years-old and doing this at 18:14.
- Juggling the opening of a new facility and becoming a dad was like this at 20:36.
- How at 23:16 Simels has been impacted by what he’s gone through when it comes to leading his team.
- Listen at 24:26 to hear how he is thriving as a director.
- What would Simels say to those who are resistant to change? Find out at 26:24.
- Staying motivated and engaged takes this at 28:38.
- Simels goes on a deep dive on TCNJ’s department and facilities at 30:03.
- Recreate Your Night is Simels pride and joy. Here’s what it is at 31:27.
- He shares at 35:03 on how they assess events at TCNJ.
- Two pieces of advice from Simels to aspiring directors at 37:42.
- There’s a big change coming for Simels. He reveals it at 40:52.
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