Our Mission Statement
The mission of the Student Recreation Center is to encourage awareness, motivation, and self-responsibility in making informed lifestyle choices, developing healthful habits, and improving the quality of life in the broader University community consistent with the University’s primary mission of promoting the personal, social, physical, and intellectual growth of students.
The Student Recreation Center will contribute to the development and management of a comprehensive and multi-faceted health, recreation, and leisure program and the cultivation of an environment that will encourage all community members to achieve educational and recreational goals by enhancing their social and physical development.
The Student Recreation Center will foster student learning and the acquisition of life skills through the application of classroom knowledge and experiences in all aspects of the governance, operation, and management of the Center.
The mission will be accomplished through a service-oriented program of recreational and fitness activities that meet changing needs, and promote interaction, cooperation, and collegiality among all community members.
Quick Overview
Enjoy recreation? Interested in getting paid to work full-time for a recreation department? Maybe a career in recreation is perfect for you! Recreation departments hire to fill a variety of full-time positions seeking diverse skill-sets, required certifications, and unique experiences to build and improve their programs. Each recreation department will be unique in their organizational structure but a list of standard departments are provided below:
- Aquatics
- Facilities
- Fitness
- Intramurals
- Marketing
- Member Services
- Outdoor Recreation
- Risk Management
- Sport Clubs
- Student Development
- Technology
- Youth Programs
- Website Management
- Wellness
Education
Relevant field experience and industry standard certifications will help get you into our professional field along with an unrelated undergraduate degree but you (as a Bulldog) can choose to study Exercise Science or Health Science while at Truman, which may give you a slight edge on competition for graduate school assistantships and future jobs.
Specifically, the Sport & Recreation Management Concentration at Truman fits well as it comes with the option of obtaining a minor in Business Administration through the school of business. Learn more about the specific requirements of the exercise science curriculum or take a moment to view a Sample 4-Year Plan.
Career Readiness & Graduate School Preparation
Get your career going by learning more about the hiring process and available positions at the Student Recreation Center using the student employment webpage. A few semesters of work at the REC in a variety of positions will make you a great candidate for any recreation career position or a competitive applicant for a graduate assistantship position. For assistance on your professional documents (ex: resume, cover letter, or personal statement) visit the Career Center and learn how to prepare yourself for the future!
Graduate School Assistantships
Graduate school assistantships exist in recreation departments all over the country which can assist you by providing great professional experience(s) and financial benefits. Some assistantships will waive full-tuition (or a percentage) and include a monthly stipend with optional employment over the summer if available. These positions are highly competitive with applicants from all over the country!
To learn more about what is available now and what types of qualifications and experience departments are looking for use bluefishjobs.com (button below) and search “graduate assistantship”. Start searching up to six months before graduation so you don’t miss out!
Job Opportunities
Local Professionals
Use the buttons below to learn more about your local recreation departments and professionals here in the Kirksville community.
Professional Organization
Get involved with the NIRSA network. Our network of passionate professional and student members comprises and supports leaders in collegiate recreation.
