In this episode of the Supplier Voice podcast, Mike Schneider, the assistant vice president of Operations at CENTERS, shares what it means to work within a managed campus recreation model and how CENTERS supports institutions nationwide. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience across site-level and corporate roles, Schneider shares insight into how CENTERS partners with colleges and universities to elevate campus recreation through shared resources, professional development and operational flexibility.
The conversation explores:
- Managed vs. Self-Operated Recreation: How working for a management company like CENTERS differs from working directly for a university, and why institutions choose a managed model to better support and invest in campus recreation.
- Systems, Standards and Support: How CENTERS’ program of systems and standards, internal resource library and corporate infrastructure allow site teams to focus on innovation, student development and high-quality experiences.
- Industry Trends and Insights: From comprehensive wellness facilities and functional training spaces to evolving group fitness models and staffing challenges, Schneider shares what CENTERS is seeing across diverse campuses nationwide.
- Thought Leadership and Consulting: How CENTERS contributes to the broader campus recreation field through content, conference engagement, and consulting services designed to help institutions assess and strengthen their operations.
Schneider emphasizes that CENTERS’ mission is rooted in working with institutions that truly value campus recreation. By combining operational expertise, shared resources and a strong student development philosophy, CENTERS aims to help campus rec professionals thrive — and, in turn, positively impact student lives across the country.
