Frederick L. Brown
Reporter
Photo courtesy of Chris Jenkins.
LeAnn Alexander, a Starkville, Miss., native, is the director of Campus Recreation. Alexander received her undergraduate degree in family studies from The W in spring 2011.
Q: What does it mean to be the director of campus recreation?
A: “I basically oversee the day-to-day operations of the facility, its programming, all the different entities we have ─ intramural sports, weight room, fitness area, wellness, special events, business memberships. There are people who are in charge of those areas, but I kind of oversee the whole operation.”
Q: What makes this job different from jobs you’ve had in the past?
A: “This is actually my first professional job, so to compare it, I would have to be comparing it to graduate assistantships and jobs I’ve had as a student. And of course, with this role, um, lots more responsibility, but it’s definitely rewarding. It can be challenging at times, making decisions ─ decisions that affect not only myself but the students that we serve and our members from the community that we serve. So sometimes, there is pressure ─ when there are obstacles that we have to get into, but it’s definitely rewarding to see students enjoying the activities that we have for them, the facility, the community come in and utilize something that The W has to offer. That’s where I get the rewarding feeling.”
Q: What is your role with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority on campus?
A: “I serve as a co-advisor, along with Ms. Amanda Williams and several others from the grad chapter.”
Q: What’s your most memorable moment as a student?
A: “The best moment was graduation day, not because I was leaving The W, but because I felt accomplished that my time spent as a student was spent well. Getting that good education and then also getting involved in several different programs, activities, organizations.”
Q: What is your most memorable moment as a staff member?
A: “Last spring, at our homecoming 5K, it was so much that went into the planning of that, and then when it happened, it was such a big success, seeing so many families come out and really getting into it, dressing up and all that stuff.”
Q: What advice do you have for students?
A: “Make the best of your time here. Get involved, join an organization. Get connected here at The W. A lot of times, students don’t even come out of their rooms, and then they’re ready to transfer because, ‘Oh, I don’t have anything to do’ or ‘I’m bored.’ So get out there and be aware of what’s going on. Get involved. Put your studies and education first. Definitely take time to really study and do well in your courses, because a lot of people say, ‘Oh, these grades won’t matter after I leave, anyway.’ They’ll come back. They’ll come back on you, when you’re trying to get into grad school or when you’re trying to get your first job ─ those type of things. Your success here in the classrooms speaks volumes to your future employer.”