CENTERS Leaders Share Practical Insights
AI for campus recreation is becoming a practical topic for teams that manage complex facilities, programs, events, and student staff. As new tools become more accessible, campus recreation leaders are looking for responsible ways to improve workflows, support communication, and build confidence across their teams.
At the 2026 NIRSA Conference & Campus Rec Expo, held April 7–10 in National Harbor, Maryland, CENTERS leaders joined a panel discussion focused on how artificial intelligence is beginning to shape daily work in higher education recreation and wellness environments.
A Conversation from the NIRSA Stage
The panel featured Michele Muth, Executive Director at Marshall University, and Nick Froelich, Executive Director at Cleveland State University. They were joined by Matt Schmiedl, Enterprise Marketing Manager, and Jo Prociuk, AVP of Talent & Innovation.
Together, the group explored practical ways teams can begin using AI with purpose. The discussion included examples related to operations, marketing, leadership, staff development, workflow support, and change management.
Rather than focusing on hype, the conversation centered on real use cases. Panelists talked about how AI can help teams brainstorm, organize information, improve communication, and reduce friction in everyday tasks. They also discussed the importance of AI literacy, thoughtful guardrails, and helping staff understand when and how to use these tools responsibly.
Supporting Innovation in Campus Operations
For CENTERS, this conversation reflects a broader commitment to innovation in campus operations. AI is not a replacement for the human-centered work that defines recreation, wellness, and student life. Instead, it can help teams create more time and space for strategic thinking, staff development, and meaningful student engagement.
As the field continues to evolve, campus recreation leaders have an opportunity to test new approaches, learn together, and build practical confidence with emerging tools.
For more on CENTERS’ approach to innovation, explore our recent insights on AI in campus operations and student employee development below.
Learn more about NIRSA and its work supporting campus recreation professionals.
Watch the Panel Discussion
In this recorded NIRSA panel, CENTERS leaders discuss how AI for campus recreation can support teams in real-world ways. The conversation highlights operations, marketing, leadership, staff development, and responsible adoption.
