Promoting the JMU Spirit

Written by Natalie Lavery ('19)

Kristin Gibson, the Associate Director for UREC Services at James Madison University Recreation, is a recipient of JMU’s “All Together One Award.” This award is presented by Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honors Society, and is given to faculty and students who unite the JMU community and promote that one-of-a-kind JMU spirit.

Kristin has been an active participant and advocate for this campus camaraderie throughout her 17 years at JMU. Kristin is a “triple Duke,” she received a Bachelors in Communications Studies and Media Arts and Design in May 2006, a Masters of Education in College Student Personnel Administration in December 2010, and joined University Recreation’s (UREC) professional staff in 2008. At UREC, Kristin started as the Coordinator of Marketing & Development in 2008, became the Assistant Director for Marketing and Technology in 2012, and has been serving as the Associate Director for UREC Services since 2016.

As a student, Kristin embodied what it meant to be an “engaged student.” She worked on campus and volunteered her time throughout her JMU experience to inspire others and build community. She motivated her fellow students through her roles as an Orientation Program Assistant, a Student Orientation Coordinator, Student Ambassador, a Make Your Mark on Madison Leadership Counselor, a graduate teaching assistant for Dr. Warner’s Leadership class, and as the Student Director of the Senior Class Annual Giving Challenge.

At UREC, Kristin has inspired and cared for hundreds of student participants, employees, interns, practicums, and graduate students throughout her tenure.

Grace James (’19) was paired with Kristin through UREC’s Mentorship Through Exercise program in 2018 and speaks to the positive impact Kristin has had on her.

“Kristin has challenged me in stepping outside of my comfort zone, whether it’s trying a new Group Ex class at UREC or taking a step towards my career,” Grace said. “She’s helped me explore career options, reviewed my resume, and just been there to bounce ideas off of. She’s friendly, energetic, and effortlessly cool. Whenever we take Group Ex classes she’s not only encouraging me in the class, but she’s encouraging the other participants, too. She’s just fun to be around. People like Kristin are what make JMU the wonderful institution that it is, and having her as my mentor has truly been one of my favorite experiences as a student. Her spunk, positive attitude, and genuine interest in others makes Kristin the very definition of the All Together One Award.”

Kristin has also been a mentor of Amy Ross’ (’18, M ’20) since her freshman year when she began working as a Marketing Assistant for Kristin.

“No one accomplishes anything alone, and in my own personal and professional development, Kristin has contributed to every single one of my accomplishments through her leadership and mentorship,” Amy said. “She has guided me along the way as an extraordinary role model. She has inspired in me a dedication to continued education through her own pursuit of learning, always looking for new ways to challenge herself and find growth. She truly exemplifies a service-oriented spirit and puts forth a kind and caring heart to everyone she encounters. She cares so deeply for our students, our team, our organization and this campus community. She completely embodies the All Together One spirit.”

Finally, the roles that Kristin serves in the Harrisonburg community further exemplify the spirit that she brings into every aspect of her life, not just at JMU. She has served on the Board of Directors for the Harrisonburg-Rockingham County Day Care and volunteered to Lip-Sync for Any Given Child. Most significantly, she founded Spark Her Stride, a summer Youth Female Running Empowerment Program in 2015.

 
One of Kristin’s mentors, Dr. Mark Warner, describes her spirit perfectly in saying, “When Kristin walks into a room, her presence is immediately felt. She inspires those with whom she interacts through her infectious laughter, positive spirit and caring demeanor. Kristin authentically touches lives and helps others realize their dreams.”