Member Spotlight – Donavon Hailey
As Region IV celebrates Black History Month, we would like to use these platforms to highlight and celebrate our Black and African American colleauges of Region IV. Today we spotlight Donavon Hailey. Donavon currently serves our region as the Coordinator for Intramural Sports with Baylor University Campus Recreation. This year, Donavon also served as the vice chair of the Registration Committee for our regional conference.
Donavon’s path in campus recreation first started at Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) in Abilene, Texas, where he received both undergraduate and graduate degrees. After completing school, Donavon was offered a Coordinator position with Fitness & Recreation at HSU. In this role, Donavon had his hands in a little bit of everything. “I would assist with Fitness, Aquatics and Facilities, but primarily operate the Club and Intramural Sports.”
Donavon helped HSU get involved with NIRSA, including conference attendance and volunteer positions with various regional tournaments. This involvement, both with HSU and with NIRSA, highlighted Donavon’s “passion to grow and serve,” and ultimately led him to his role at Baylor University.
Donavon began working at Baylor in March of 2020, just before the pandemic began to impact campus recreation. Despite this, Donavon believes it’s this opportunity that he’s most proud of:
I am most proud of still finding a way to connect and serve with students during this pandemic. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the short talk, but here at Baylor we are developing minds and preparing these young men and women to lead.
Donavon’s recreation experience has exclusively taken place in Region IV, but he doesn’t seem to mind one bit:
From top to bottom, this Region is truly blessed with amazing, smart and talented people. I talk a lot (if you know me, you know this is true), but the moments I’ve been able to listen and collaborate with my Region IV colleagues, I always learn more.
True to his passion for service, Donavon shared the following insight for those that aspire to be a campus recreation professional:
You are the author of your story, so instead of being told what to do, figure out how to get it done. No matter what you may think or believe, know that you have a purpose that the Lord has given you every day, and it’s your duty to make it happen!
Make sure you look out for Donavon when we’re able to connect in person again, singing and maybe even playing the drums – “If there are any other artists out there, holler at your boy.”
Feel free to connect with Donavon via e-mail.
