Congratulations to the 2025 Region 1 Award of Merit winner, Stephanie Smith!

Stephanie currently serves as the Director of Recreation at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Stephanie has had the unique opportunity to work her entire career at MIT, landing her job as the Assistant Fitness Director in 2006 right after her graduation from The Ohio State University. Prior to her current title, Stephanie had served as the Associate Director of Recreation, Programs, and Fitness at MIT. Stephanie has also received her Masters of Sports Leadership from Northeastern University in 2012.

Stephanie has served in several critical roles at her institution and within NIRSA. Stephanie was the Region 1 Professional Representative for the NIRSA Member Network from 2021-2023 and previously as the Massachusetts State Director. She has served on several regional and national workteams in NIRSA, including NIRSA’s Health & Wellbeing Advisory Group. Stephanie has also co-hosted the 2014 Region 1 Conference in Boston. Stephanie has collaborated with campus-wide programs and marketing initiatives, and is one of the leading advocates for wellness across the nation and NIRSA Membership.

Some excerpts from the nomination letters for Stephanie:

“Steph’s passion for campus recreation and for providing healthy opportunities to her institution’s members truly shines through each day. She is a role model for the work she does. She teaches group exercise classes and participates in running races for her institution and the surrounding Boston area. She is a pillar of health and wellbeing! I have never written a NIRSA award recommendation for anyone else, but Steph is someone I support through and through because of her hard work, dedication, and willingness to always help others.”

“In every meeting we’ve had (both formal and informal), I can fully attest that she has been very dedicated to serving Region 1. She set myself and the Region 1 Leadership Team up for success by being proactive with creating committees AND checking in with them, being a vocal leader on the Member Network, and explaining the ins and outs of NIRSA to me and any new members who were not as knowledgeable. She also was a key contributor to trying to make the Region 1 Conferences more equitable for people around the region from year to year, and she put in a lot of work with the changes that were made to the Region 1 contingency fund. It is a lot of work balancing feedback from members in the region and feedback from NIRSA Headquarters, but Steph did it so gracefully and with a smile on her face. Outwardly, you’d think nothing ever bothered her.”

“For 18 years, Stephanie has been a dedicated member of NIRSA, making significant contributions to our region and the association. She has played a vital role in shaping the development of our profession, as well as nurturing current and emerging leaders, along with students. Stephanie serves selflessly, demonstrating a passion for her work and a tireless commitment to NIRSA. She leads with integrity and purpose, focusing on student wellness. As a critical contributor to the initiatives in our region, Stephanie ensures that others have the opportunity to grow, learn, and succeed. She actively provides her student and staff employees with opportunities for professional development and leadership, encouraging them to present at conferences and engage with the association.”

“At every conference, I seek out Stephanie because I know that we can share and brainstorm ideas for collegiate recreation and NIRSA together. She is collaborative and always willing to challenge the status quo for the betterment of our future. She has served our region well and continues to make a difference wherever possible. I can’t think of a better more deserving recipient for the Region I Award of Merit.”

“Throughout my time working closely with Steph she continually challenged me and pushed me to become a better professional through involvement through NIRSA, both from a state, regional and national level. Since that guidance I have had the opportunity to serve as the MARS Director, host and lead multiple State Workshops, and be placed on NIRSA Regional and National Committees all to help me personally and professionally grow in the field. This level of professional involvement and growth would not have been possible if not for Steph’s empowering leadership and strive for development and professionalism.”

On behalf of Region 1, CONGRATULATIONS STEPHANIE!