Kinesiology, Recreation & Sport

Steven Powell is a 2002 graduate of the Recreation Program and 2004 graduate of the RSA program.  He currently serves as the Associate Director of the Department of Campus Recreation at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida.

Steven is responsible for he overall management and coordination of facility operations and administrative support services of the Leach Center and other facilities of Campus Recreation to include Human Resources, Accounting, Maintenance, Inventory control, Custodial Services, Environmental Health and Safety and Risk Management.  He also serves on behalf of the Director in his/her absence and serves as a member of the department’s senior management team. 

Additional Job Duties Include:

• Develop and oversee financial reporting, inventory control and accounting activities
• Assist in the development of the Campus Recreation Budget and oversee budget specific to reporting lines
• Develop and oversee contract negotiations, contract renewals, rent collection and management and space usage in the Leach Center.
• Oversee revenue generating capabilities of leased operations in Campus Recreation
• Liaison for the University to all independent contractors and/or space vendors of Campus Recreation to include but not limited to health and wellness contracts, custodial contract and concession contract
• Develop policies pertaining to services of the Leach Center and other Campus Recreation facilities as needed and interpret policies to various user groups
• Provide ongoing evaluation of existing programs and services within the Leach Center
• Modify programs or develop new programs/services to meet expressed needs of students and patrons
• Serve as liaison for operational issues and needs of Campus Recreation both internally and external of the University

Steven said his favorite thing about his job is, “No two days are the same.  I love having the ability to “Pay it Forward’ – in respect to the experience that I received at Western Kentucky University.”

How did the KRS program prepare you for your career?  The practicum and in-classroom experience played a huge role. However, I was very fortunate to have developed numerous mentors within the program; including Dr. Little, Dr. Spencer & Dr. Gibson. Their advisement, as well as support not only prepared me for my career – but more importantly – life.

What is your favorite thing about WKU?  I had the opportunity to spend a majority of my Undergraduate and my entire Graduate career working at the Raymond B. Preston Center. This amazing experience and the individuals associated with my employment (Dr. Gibson, Brad Stinnett & Mark Williams) became life-long friends.

What is favorite thing about the Recreation/RSA program?  The faculty at the time of my experience was amazing.