How is work in the Activities & Recreation Center at UW Bothell?
Madison Collins, director, answers a few questions from Maria Lamarca Anderson, UW Bothell director of communications.
Q. How do you try to innovate?
A. The Activities & Recreation Center is a hub of student life on the shared campus of UW Bothell and Cascadia College. Our team relies on innovation to be able to reach all students, regardless of school, year, major, etc. I am extremely lucky that I have an amazing team who thinks creatively for ways to service and engage the campus within our space and in our programs.
Trends and needs are always changing — such as fitness programs and exercise equipment — and we are always trying to think of ways to reach more students whether it’s in our programming or amenities in the building and sports and recreation complex.
Q. What is the core of your work?
A. The student experience is at the core of our work within the ARC. We want to help each student engage outside of the classroom and create community. In addition to our fitness center, we offer a wide variety of recreational programs and services — and a space for students to hang out, to hold events and to study.
We want to ensure our student employees get solid work experience, too. We couldn’t do what we do without their help, and during their time working with the ARC we aim to provide them with professional development and learning opportunities that will help them be successful after school.
We also want to help everyone stay healthy, and the new year is a great time to commit to be fit! Our students automatically have access to the ARC, but faculty and staff from UW Bothell and Cascadia College can purchase a fitness membership as well.
When we individually feel good both mentally and physically, the stronger we will be as a collective campus community.
Q. How do any or all of UW Bothell’s three strategic priorities fit into your work?
A. Diversity, equity and inclusion are values that are built into our everyday work and decision making. We provide space, services and programs that are welcoming and create a sense of belonging. The ARC was built for students to have a space to build community and to provide engagement across both campuses.
Q. What are you working on today?
A. Honestly, I am working on several things daily, including collaborations and growth for our amazing recreational programs such as Outdoor Wellness, Intramurals Activities and Group Fitness programs. Additionally, we are trying to plan strategically for additional programming and building support to serve our growing campus community.
Q. How does who you are show up in your work?
A. I am energetic and team-oriented, and I absolutely think this is evident in my work and how I work within my team and with our students. As a leader I find it important to invest in relationships, so I entrust and encourage my team to make decisions that will help their own growth and development.
Q. Where is your favorite spot on campus, and why?
A. Anywhere in the ARC or sports and recreation complex!
Q. What is your favorite thing about working at UW Bothell?
A. The amazing people and their level of investment in relationships and connection.
