Oakland’s Director of University Recreation and Well-Being receives national award

Oakland’s Director of University Recreation and Well-Being receives national award

Greg Jordan, director of Oakland University’s Recreation and Well-Being department, has been named the recipient of the 2017 National Intramural Recreational Sports Association Honor Award. It is NIRSA’s most prestigious recognition.

The NIRSA Honor Award is given annually to a NIRSA member of outstanding professional achievement who has demonstrated exemplary service to the association during his or her career and has made significant contributions to the field of college recreation. It has been given since 1963 and this is the first time a leader from Oakland University has been selected for the award.

Members of NIRSA are college professionals who serve students who participate in intramural, club, and informal sports. NIRSA members like Jordan support student learning through recreation and by fostering lifelong habits of physical fitness and emotional well-being.

“I was delighted when I heard Greg was selected for this honor,” said George W. Hynd, Oakland University president. “Greg is one of our many dedicated staff members who focus their professional lives on making our campus life memorable and transformative for our students.”

Greg Jordan headshot
Read the outstanding article produced by NIRSA about Greg Jordan.

Jordan’s distinction will be celebrated at the Honor Award banquet during the organization’s annual meeting in National Harbor, Maryland from February 21-24. Jordan will also be featured in the NIRSA News and in an issue of the NIRSA Know.

To be eligible for the Honor Award, nominees must hold membership in NIRSA, have at least eight years of experience in the field of collegiate recreation and exemplify strong standards of ethical behavior, consistent with the organization's codes and expectations.

Awardees also exhibit outstanding volunteer leadership in NIRSA and on their home campuses. Jordan has led an evolution of recreation at Oakland University over the past 20 years and provided steady leadership and oversight of the department’s exponential growth and recent re-naming.

“This is a milestone achievement for Greg’s career, and I have certainly been witness to his unwavering commitment to our students and their success,” added Glenn McIntosh, vice president for Student Affairs.

About NIRSA:
Since its founding in 1950, NIRSA membership, comprised of leaders in collegiate recreation, has grown to comprise nearly 4,500 dedicated professionals, students, and businesses, serving an estimated 8.1 million students. NIRSA believes that collegiate recreation is a significant and powerful key to inspiring wellness in local, regional, and global communities. The national organization is based in Corvallis, Oregon.

About Oakland University’s Recreation and Well-Being:
“RecWell” as the department is commonly called on campus, is a department within the Division of Student Affairs. The department’s vision is to be a leader in providing excellent and comprehensive experiences that promote student success and community well-being. The department’s mission is to offer programs, services and facilities that create a connection to Oakland University, encourage life balance, and foster student development.