The Final Exam is your chance to get to know industry leaders. For the July/August 2026 issue, Campus Rec Magazine spoke with David Hall, the director of Recreation at Quinnipiac University.
1. How did you get started in the industry?
I started down a very traditional route as an undergraduate official for intramurals at Virginia Commonwealth University. I worked at my town recreation department in high school, and as we all know in our field, if someone with officiating experience shows up and applies to your intramural program, you hire them. I was fortunate to be that person.
2. How would you describe campus recreation at your university?
Quinnipiac University has a robust recreation program. In the last two to three years, we’ve seen tremendous growth. Over 78% of the student body used the Recreation and Wellness Center last year, and we offer over 90 group fitness classes. Our intramural program has grown 10% this year despite a declining national market, and club sports have absolutely taken off. We just took on a former varsity program for women’s rugby and now have 24 active sports with 650 athletes and growing. We have a great professional staff committed to student development and are moving the needle when it comes to student engagement, recruitment and retention.
3. What has been one of the biggest challenges you have faced throughout your career?
The biggest challenges have really come in the last five to seven years. This is specifically due to the landscape of higher education. The Northeast and Midwest are seeing up to 15% declines in student enrollment at their institutions, which affects budget, resources and personnel — essentially everything. I’ve spent the bulk of my career at private universities, where this is the most challenging. Growing as a unit and showing campus recreation’s value in that market has become very challenging when we’re competing for declining resources from within.
4. What has been one of the biggest accomplishments of your career?
I’ve had the good fortune to lead two building projects on two university campuses, producing award-winning facilities that serve students and enhance the college experience. I also chaired the committee that made our campus smoke- and tobacco-free several years ago when our communities were just starting to move in that direction. Coupled with the building project, I was able to make a long-term difference in the health and well-being of that community.
5. What is one lesson you have learned that other recreation professionals might benefit from?
Be flexible and adaptable. Any chance you can work across the aisle with other colleagues on campus and get different experiences within your recreation department outside your area of expertise will help you grow professionally and open doors of opportunity long-term.
6. What is one fun fact about yourself that others may not know?
I once played a set of tennis against Jimmy Connors when I was in high school, which certainly dates me. Unfortunately, I lost.
