Welcome back to the Director Download podcast, hosted by Grady Sheffield, the director of Campus Recreation at Towson University, and powered by Campus Rec Magazine.
In this episode of the Director Download, three attendees of the 2026 Campus Rec Leadership Summit share their takeaways and experiences from this year’s event.
Sara Segoviano, the associate director of Fitness and Wellness at Tarleton State University; Jessica Ward, the senior associate director of Athletics at Princeton University; and Sheldon Tate, the executive director of Recreation at George Mason University, explore how intentionally structured roundtables and opportunities to connect with peers at the Summit create a space for vulnerability and authenticity. From taking accountability through phrases like “that’s on me” to allowing space in day-to-day operations for self-reflection, each past attendee discusses the tangible takeaways they’ve implemented since the event.
The group also explores how vendors are thoughtfully integrated into the event by having a seat at the roundtable discussions alongside attendees. Segoviano, Ward and Tate agreed that industry partners were genuinely curious about challenges campus rec leaders were facing and weren’t just constantly trying to sell a product.
The conversation closed with the group encouraging directors to check their egos at the door and treat the Summit as an intentional space to reflect on their own growth and resilience.
For any director considering attending the Summit or wondering about the real impact of being in the room, this episode is a must-listen.
Episode Highlights:
- How intentional roundtables and pre-assigned seating created deeper networking than traditional conferences.
- Why group chats and post-Summit check-ins extend the event’s value year-round.
- The importance of leaders continually choosing self-development over self-validation.
- Why the ability to “speak in rough drafts” made space for vulnerability and validation.
- How vendors who listen intently can become true partners and even long-time collaborators.
- What past Summit attendees would say to a hesitant director wondering if this event is right for them.
