Member Spotlight – Daniel Fragel
Serving as the Assistant Director of Recreation Services at Emporia State University (Emporia, KS), Daniel Fragel is the Region IV Member Representative for the state of Kansas. Through Daniel’s state leadership role, he also holds the title as Chair of the Communications Committee in our region. Before joining the ranks as a professional, Daniel started his path in recreation where he is now, at Emporia State, as an undergraduate.
Between his time as an Intramural Supervisor then and Assistant Director now, Daniel has spent most of his time in Region IV but does have some experience out of our region. He was an intern with the University of Kansas Recreation Services, Intramural Sports Graduate Assistant at the University of Oklahoma, and began his professional career at Boise State University as the Intramural Sports Coordinator. During his time at Boise State, Daniel was Region VI Member Representative for the state of Idaho.
Daniel returned to his alma mater, Emporia State, in 2018.
As Daniel has been at a number of institutions in his young career, he has learned a number of lessons to share with aspiring recreation professionals, none more important than the idiom “Rome wasn’t build in a day.” Daniel explained, “That applies to your personal professional development, developing connections and mentors as well as working at a new school. Many times the first semester or even year at a new location can be frustrating but learning their process the first year then implementing positive changes can be the most rewarding and beneficial for yourself and the department you are working for.”
The Kansas native and avid Kansas City Royals explained why Region IV is so special to him. “(It’s) a great place to learn and grow as a professional. If it wasn’t for Region IV and the people in it, I wouldn’t be where I am today and that doesn’t go unnoticed or unappreciated. With the opportunities within our region to volunteer, network and be involved at any capacity, Region IV is a great place to be as a campus recreation professional.”
Daniel values the time he gets to impact and influence the students he works with, including graduate assistants. From the very first interview to graduating a 2-year graduate assistant, Daniel is so proud of watching that growth. “The positive impacts they make at their new institutions / roles are great to see and being able to be a part of their development is the most rewarding part of my job.” Daniel also has the opportunity to teach Sports Leadership and Recreation college courses.
Aside from his professional life, Daniel enjoys tailgating at “The K” and attending Royals games, fishing and golfing. He also has not abandoned his Intramural roots, as he still officiates high school basketball.
Check out Daniel’s NIRSA Connect Profile!
