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 senior advisor to Campus Rec Magazine, chats with Stephanie Smith, the director of Recreation at MIT.
Smith didn’t follow the traditional path to campus rec leadership. From aspiring backup dancer to leading a recreation department at one of the most prestigious institutions in the world, her journey is one of passion, persistence and people-first leadership.
Smith and Sheffield explore the power of showing up. They also talk about failing forward and building a leadership philosophy rooted in transparency, presence and trust. Whether she’s teaching Spin classes or shaping strategic direction, Smith leads with empathy and curiosity. Plus, she has a commitment to serving both students and the wider MIT community.
In this episode, Stephanie Smith discusses:
- Why she extended her undergrad to be part of the opening of Ohio State’s RPAC and how that experience solidified her career goals.
- What it was like to start her professional journey at MIT — and why she wasn’t intimidated by the move.
- Lessons on communication, psychological safety and leading with compassion.
- How she balances the needs of students, faculty and community members in a hybrid campus/community rec model.
- Why being present — whether in team meetings or fitness classes — is central to her leadership style.
- How she navigates failure, makes decisions based on values and uses the phrase “Tell me more” to deepen relationships.
So, whether you’re an aspiring director or a leader navigating complex challenges, this episode is full of relatable insights, a few laughs and practical strategies you can take back to your own team.
