The Final Exam is your chance to get to know leaders in the industry. For the September/October 2024 issue, Campus Rec Magazine spoke with Jennifer Speer, the executive director at The University of Texas at Austin.
1. How did you get started in the industry?
Teaching aerobics as a student, I got started at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM). I quickly learned campus rec was a profession and stayed at USM for my master’s/grad assistantship. That experience was invaluable and prepared me for The University of Texas at Austin (UT). I started at UT in 1999 as the assistant director for Fitness/Wellness and have had opportunities in the department to oversee communications, development and programs. I became the executive director in September 2022.
2. How would you go about describing campus recreation at UT?
Our goal is to provide education through recreation by offering outstanding facilities, programs and services. We have a celebrated history as the third-oldest program in the country, but we’re always focused on the future and staying relevant for today and tomorrow’s students. We strive to be the best hour of a student’s day.
3. What has been the biggest challenge of your career?
Learning to be patient and accepting timing plays a major part is a continual challenge for me. I’m often reminded good ideas may not move forward because timing isn’t right. As someone who wants to do it right now, I’m often challenged to step back and accept patience is needed to accomplish goals.
4. What has been one of the biggest accomplishments of your career?
Creating a development program from scratch was very rewarding and now watching it continue to grow and evolve has been enjoyable. As far as I know, UT RecSports is the only campus rec program with a formal development program that includes individual donors and a comprehensive corporate sponsorship and partnership program.
5. What is one lesson you have learned that other recreation professionals might benefit from?
Relationships matter so invest time in connections. Get to know your department colleagues, campus partners and students. Those relationships will help in the good and bad times.
6. What is one fun fact about yourself others may not know?
I love roller coasters. When I was a kid, family vacations were planned to always include amusement parks. Neither my husband nor my daughter like coasters so if I need my thrill ride fix, I have to plan those trips with my sister.
