The Final Exam is your chance to get to know leaders in the industry. For the May/June 2024 issue, Campus Rec Magazine spoke with Katie Burns, the director of Campus Recreation at Utah State University.
1. How did you get started in the industry?
I got started in higher education immediately after finishing my undergraduate career. I pursued my master’s in Student Affairs and worked as a graduate assistant mostly in Residence Life. My first full-time job was as a residence director in a living-learning community. The living-learning community was focused on integrating academic pursuits with outdoor pursuits. I learned a lot of outdoor skills really quickly and fell in love. I was also working in the summer as a professional backpack and rock-climbing guide. So, the outdoors were really my way into campus recreation. I worked my way into a bunch of different roles until ultimately landing in recreation, and I couldn’t be more excited to be here.
2. How would you go about describing campus recreation at Utah State?
Campus Recreation at Utah State is truly a part of the culture of the student body. We know over 85% of the student body utilizes our facilities and programs and we’re super proud of that. We want Campus Recreation to be a place where everyone belongs and can pursue “play, wellness and adventure.” As a staff we try to be nimble and creative in offering programs and services that meet our students. We work hard and we play hard.
3. What has been one of the biggest challenges you have faced throughout your career in campus recreation?
Honestly, this is a hard one and I know it’s a cliché answer but COVID-19. Obviously, this was a real challenge for everyone, but perhaps I found it even harder because I just moved to Utah State. I had been at the university for six weeks when COVID-19 sent us all home. It felt incredibly hard to find my footing in a new role, at a new university and help to navigate a new team through uncharted waters. Sometimes I look back on that time and I’m just proud of myself for sticking it out.
4. What has been one of the biggest accomplishments of your career?
At the risk of sounding very cheesy, I’m hands down most proud of the students who I’ve had the privilege to mentor, teach or lead alongside. I’ve had the privilege to work with incredible students over my career and they have gone on to many amazing pursuits, including joining our ranks in recreation. I definitely think of them when I think of accomplishments and success as a professional.
5. What is one lesson you have learned that other recreation professionals might benefit from?
You always have time to take care of yourself. When you start to think you can’t, find someone who can remind you how valuable you are and that you’re worth caring for.
6. What is one fun fact about yourself that others may not know?
Though I have lots of titles I get to wear, my favorite is Aunt to (soon-to-be) nine amazing nieces and nephews.
