In this Expert Q&A, Gracie Moore interviews Jodi Quemelen, the coordinator of Well-being at East Carolina University; Nicholas D’Amato, the director of Recreation and Club Sports at the University of Hartford; and Jennifer Clark, the assistant program director at the University of Connecticut, to explore practical strategies for navigating generational leadership in campus recreation.
The conversation centers around how each panelist leverages their generational perspective to lead more effectively. Quemelen, part of Gen Z, emphasizes the importance of communicating the “why” behind decisions — a priority for her generation. D’Amato, a millennial, reflects on how he’s adapted his leadership by moving away from the “work hard, play hard” mentality and instead embracing flexibility. Clark, also a millennial, shares how the strong systems and structure she experienced as a student worker now inform her leadership, but consciously balances it with flexibility and empathy.
For campus rec professionals, the key takeaway is that effective generational leadership requires clear systems paired with genuine flexibility, mentorship programs that create reciprocal learning and openness to multiple paths for professional development. Leaders should communicate purpose, lead with empathy and create environments where different generational strengths complement rather than conflict with one another.
Key Takeaways
- Gen Z values purpose and flexibility: Understanding the “why” behind tasks and having work-life balance through flexible schedules or hybrid options.
- Evolution from hustle culture to working smarter: Moving away from the “work hard, play hard” mentality toward sustainable practices and well-rounded interests.
- Systems and mentorship matter: Clear expectations, standardized processes and mentor programs create leadership pathways across all generations.
- Multiple paths to leadership development: Professional growth isn’t limited to conferences; LinkedIn Learning, TED Talks, books and self-directed learning all have value.
- AI and wellness are reshaping the field: Technology integration and experience-focused programming centered on belonging and community are the future of campus rec.
If you’re a campus rec professional looking for strategies to improve workplace leadership across generations or for adapting to evolving norms, you may want to listen to this Q&A.
