The Final Exam is your chance to get to know leaders in the industry. For the January/February 2026 issue, Campus Rec Magazine spoke with Mikki Showers, the director of Campus Recreation, Facilities manager and Intramurals coordinator at Carleton College.
1. How did you get started in the industry?
Pretty much by luck, persistence and allowing my passions to emerge. I took a very non-traditional path, advancing my career within Carleton College over the past 36 years. Earning my degree in Occupational Science with a concentration in Community Health and Wellness at age 42 helped me professionally support my philosophy that Campus Recreation offers the entire community opportunities to thrive and experience lifelong well-being.
I believe in a balance of activities that focus on the whole person — spanning health and fitness, arts, adventure, experiential learning, competition, leadership and social interaction. Campus Recreation is about helping others find connection, balance and joy through movement and socialness. That’s what keeps me coming back every day.
2. How would you go about describing campus recreation at Carleton College?
Vibrant, growing, welcoming and ever-changing — there’s truly something for everyone. It’s full of joyful energy and serves as the pulse of campus life for fun, fitness and fellowship.
3. What has been one of the biggest challenges you have faced throughout your career?
Using data to tell our story — highlighting participation, engagement and impact metrics in annual reports or newsletters. I’ve always preferred hearing personal stories and testimonials, but I recognize the value of articulating the impact of recreation through data. Learning to document, measure and evaluate our work using digital tools for engagement and tracking can be rewarding and extremely beneficial. It’s the best way to share your story in a way that both the heart and the head can understand.
4. What has been one of the biggest accomplishments of your career?
Recognizing and investing in our greatest assets — our staff. We focus on developing strong onboarding programs, ongoing education and leadership pathways that create advancement opportunities for student staff. These experiences help students grow while strengthening our mission.
Students learn workplace norms from us, so be consistent, clear and supportive. Never ask a staff member to do something you wouldn’t do yourself — or something they haven’t seen you do.
5. What is one lesson you have learned that other recreation professionals might benefit from?
I have two: Every connection you create through recreation — a smile at the desk, a great intramural or club experience, or a welcoming and inclusive space — helps everyone feel like they belong. That sense of belonging keeps them coming back and helps them thrive.
Stay curious. Trends in recreation — from technology to design — shift quickly. Keep learning and asking questions from your colleagues.
6. What is one fun fact about yourself that others may not know?
I learned to waterski when I was five years old — and I’m still doing it 55 years later. Yes, that means I’m old, but I’m still loving every minute on the water.
