The Final Exam is your chance to get to know leaders in the industry. For the March/April 2026 issue, Campus Rec Magazine spoke with Bryan Haunert, the director of Campus Recreation at Illinois State University.
1. How did you get started in the industry?
Like many in the field, my journey began as an undergraduate student working at the student recreation center in the mid-90s. During that time, a young professional on staff at Bowling Green State University recognized my potential and took me under her wing. Beyond guiding me day-to-day, she introduced me to the world of NIRSA. In 1997, I attended my first conference at the Region III Student Lead On — an experience that really sparked my interest in campus recreation as a career and set me on a path I’ll forever be grateful for. She connected me with other professionals dedicated to student development, and that introduction led me to Ball State University (Ball State), where I completed my internship and later served as a graduate assistant. Those formative experiences further solidified my commitment. I knew campus recreation was where I belonged. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of serving as assistant director at George Washington University, associate director at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Oregon, and director at Loyola University Maryland. Today, I’m proud to serve as director of Campus Recreation at Illinois State University (ISU). It’s been quite a ride.
2. How would you go about describing campus recreation at your university?
Since my arrival in March 2023, it’s been evident that university leadership is committed to the health and wellness of the student body. Campus Recreation at ISU plays a big part in that through our mission of encouraging the campus community to embrace fun and well-being through movement, challenge and play. We embrace our mission by being an ever-evolving department that uses data and feedback to best meet the needs of our 22,000 students. Most importantly, we’re powered by a dedicated team of professional and student staff who genuinely love what they do and know how to have fun when they do it.
3. What has been one of the biggest challenges you have faced throughout your career?
Having worked at five different institutions, the biggest challenge for me has been adapting and finding my place within the culture of each campus. Each university is unique in a variety of ways — it takes time to get your footing, understand who you need in your corner and build your brand. I was so naïve early in my career in thinking my style that worked at one university would seamlessly translate to the next. I learned very quickly that success — in both life and work — is about adapting to the people around you. While my guiding principles and sense of purpose remain the same, the way I integrate them into my work has evolved from campus to campus.
4. What has been one of the biggest accomplishments of your career?
After more than 25 years in the field, my greatest joy is following the success of individuals I’ve had the pleasure of supervising. I still remember the first time a coordinator shared she had been offered an assistant director job at another university, and more recently, when a former associate director reached out to let me know he had just accepted a director position at a Big Ten university. Knowing I played even a small part in their journey fills me with pride. My most meaningful accomplishments will always be seeing others thrive, whether it’s encouraging an undergraduate student to attend a Lead On conference or watching a former staff member climb the ladder. Those moments never fail to bring me joy.
5. What is one lesson you have learned that other recreation professionals might benefit from?
Relationships mean everything. Throughout my career, I’ve been surrounded by some incredible people who have invested countless hours of their time in me. Cat Cramp was instrumental in shaping my development during my undergraduate years. Troy Vaughn provided me with an amazing opportunity at Ball State and remains one of my go-to people when challenges and opportunities arise. Kevin Marbury prepared me for leadership through the example he set as a director. There are countless others whose support has helped me succeed in a profession that I love. Without establishing and building those relationships, I know I wouldn’t be where I am today.
6. What’s one fun fact about yourself that others may not know?
I have a huge passion for interior design and a minor addiction to HGTV. I’m constantly doing work around my house and always looking for my next project. My most recent project was turning our basement into a cool hangout spot for my 10-year-old son and his friends. My wife just shakes her head and lets me roll with it.
