Student Spotlight – Alyssa Moncrief, Region IV Student Leader
To kick off the Region IV Student Spotlights, meet Alyssa Moncrief – the Region IV Student Leader. Alyssa is a 2nd-year Facilities Graduate Assistant for Texas A&M University-College Station. She is not new to the NIRSA community, as has held numerous positions over the years, including Texas State Student Leader (2020), the Region IV Student Lead-On Co-Chair (2019), and a Region IV Student Lead-On committee member (2018). She also currently serves on the All Regions Conference Planning Committee. Additionally, Alyssa was awarded the NIRSA Annual Service Award in 2021.
Alyssa’s involvement in Campus Recreation began in her undergraduate years at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi where she worked as a Facility Attendant, Marketing Assistant, Camp Counselor, Swim Instructor, and more.
“I loved every aspect of working in recreation,” says Moncrief. “The rec center became my home away from home. Working in numerous areas of the department opened my eyes to the possibility of a career in recreation and led me to my interest in NIRSA.” The friendships Alyssa has made through Region IV has been a highlight of her NIRSA experience.
Alyssa says that being a student in recreation has helped her find her voice and purpose. She says that her time as a Facility Attendant allowed her to gain self-confidence. The staff that pushed her to grow as a student, helped her realize that she wanted to be the type professional that does the same for others.
Her biggest piece of advice for anyone looking to get involved in NIRSA:
Apply for that job or position that scares you a little bit. Getting out of your comfort zone can be intimidating, but true growth happens once you do it! The answer will always be “no” if you don’t ask or apply.
One fun fact about Alyssa is that she shares a birthday with Whataburger. Region IV is excited to see all the ways you serve our region!
