Texas A&M University-Commerce

The first Region IV featured department is the Department of Campus Recreation at Texas A&M University-Commerce. Located just over an hour northeast of Dallas, Texas A&M University-Commerce was founded in 1889 as a part of the Texas A&M University system.

Campus Recreation, a department of Campus Life and Student Success, is currently housed in the Jerry D. Morris Recreation Center, named after the ninth president of the University. The $12 million facility opened in June of 2003, highlighted by a three-lane jogging track, two basketball courts, three-tiered cardio and strength area, and a 45-foot climbing wall, one of the more identifiable aspects of the Morris Recreation Center. This intentional feature is to inspire the Texas A&M University-Commerce community to challenge themselves, as it welcomes members entering the facility.

In addition to the Morris Recreation Center, Campus Recreation oversees several outdoor spaces:

  • The MAC
    • Synthetic turf multi-activity court utilized for group fitness classes, several Intramural Sports, and informal volleyball and soccer
    • Lounge area with cushioned patio furniture for spectators, gatherings, and studying
  • Cain Sports Complex
    • Tennis court complex with four lighted courts and a support facility that includes restrooms, equipment checkout, and classroom
    • Sand Volleyball Court Complex that includes four lighted sand volleyball courts, a support facility with restrooms, equipment checkout, and storage: and shaded spectator seating
    • Two lighted softball fields that doubles as Intramural and Club Sport fields for flag football, soccer, and ultimate frisbee
  • Outdoor Adventure Center
    • Challenge Course features 14 low elements and 21 high elements.
    • The TAMUC Trail – Five-mile circuit composed of four different loops.
      • Bicycle and pedestrian traffic allowed

Housed in those facilities are a variety of programming highlights offered by Campus Recreation at Texas A&M University-Commerce:

  • Recfest and Resolution Roar – large scale community events typically offered at the beginning of the year
  • Fitober by the Fitness and Wellbeing Program – a fitness challenge in October for the campus community
  • Moonlight Zip lining and Kayak by Outdoor Adventure
  • Unified Sports and Big Pink Volleyball Tournament by Intramural Sports

Some other unique features or programs:

  • “Great Outroars” outdoor pavilion area at the Morris Recreation Center
    • Large shade umbrellas along with the pool with picnic tables, a big fan, and a large grill
    • A game-changer for outdoor events
  • PUMPkin Fit – One time fitness class using various sizes of pumpkins
  • Spooky Cycle Class – Spooky decorated activity room using spooky music
  • Moonlight kayaking – Using Cain Pond on campus, lights are put on kayaks so participants can kayak in the moonlight
  • Taco Tuesday Cast Iron Cooking –  Try out tacos by cast iron cooking
  • Intramural All Sport Doubles Tournament – Participants compete in pairs in various doubles sports to become an overall doubles champion

To check out photos from these and other events, visit Campus Recreation’s SmugMug photo-sharing page. 

All of these offerings embody Campus Recreation’s mission: “We connect, educate, and inspire people to lifelong activity and well-being.”

Through each interaction, Campus Recreation strives to achieve their vision: “We aspire to be leaders in student development and collegiate recreation through programming, services, and facilities that reflect the highest industry standards.”

Each day, Campus Recreation lives their core values:

  • Integrity – We are committed to the highest level of ethical and professional behavior and actions.
  • Continuous Improvement – We are committed to safe and creative programs, services, and facilities that invite feedback, promote fun, and consistently seek opportunities for growth and innovation.
  • Service – We are committed to the effective and efficient use of student resources while providing exceptional service that is passionate, proactive, friendly, and professional.
  • Teamwork – We strive to develop a strong appreciation for the benefit of working mutually as a group toward a common goal; together we can achieve more.
  • Student Development – We are committed to engaging students with experiences and skill development opportunities that empower personal growth and enhance transferable skills.
  • Inclusion – We recognize and appreciate diverse cultures, experiences, and traditions and strive to provide inclusive programs and services.
  • Community – We promote and celebrate campus and community partnerships to enhance the quality of life.
  • Well-being – We strive to provide the tools for others to develop positive habits that create a balance in mind, body, and spirit.

Meet the Texas A&M-Commerce Campus Recreation Professional Team!

  • Autumn Johnson,  Director
  • Justin Cato, Senior Associate Director
  • Jonathan Johnston, Associate Director – Programs and Staff Development
  • Katie Thomas, Assistant Director – Intramural and Club Sports
  • Justin Bryant,  Assistant Director – Outdoor Adventure
  • Sarah Shea, Assistant Director – Facility Operations and Aquatics
  • Dan Semprini, Coordinator – Fitness and Wellbeing
  • Kellen Dion, Coordinator, Outdoor Adventure
  • Walker Lloyd – Coordinator, Facility Operations and Aquatics
  • Veta Dawson, Administrative Assistant
  • Mary Calderilla, Administrative Assistant
  • Graduate Assistants
    • Belinda Sanchez – Fitness and Wellbeing
    • Elijah Boudreau – Intramural and Club Sports
    • Ashlee Hyman – Facility Operations
    • Anaelle Sure – Marketing
    • Alex Tooke – Outdoor Adventure

Contact information and brief staff bios can be found here.