UREC

09/04/2026

🚨 DON’T MISS OUT! 🚨
Registration for Swim Lessons closes next Wednesday, September 9. Whether you're a JMU student or introducing your little one to the water, UREC Swim Lessons provides something for everyone! 🏊‍♂️
https://www.jmu.edu/recreation/activities/aquatics/lessons.shtml

09/01/2026

It’s Champ Shirt Day, Dukes! 🏆

Wear your intramural champ shirt to UREC from 4 - 5 p.m. for a chance to win a UREC Needoh! 🟪😍

08/28/2026

Sport Clubs, let’s see y’all in the comments! ⬇️

08/27/2026

Congratulations to our Director, Eric Nickel, for being awarded the JMU Purple Star for Career Achievement last week at the University Welcome! 🎉
We are so grateful for Eric's leadership and commitment to Motivating Madison into Motion!

"Eric Nickel, director of University Recreation, was honored for a career spanning more than three decades. Since joining UREC in 1995, Nickel has helped transform campus recreation through his leadership of major facility projects, including UPARK and the university’s wellness and adventure spaces. He also guided UREC through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining services that supported student well-being. Colleagues praised his commitment to mentorship, healthy living and student-centered leadership."

Learn more: https://www.jmu.edu/news/2026/08/18-2026-jmu-purple-star-awards-announced.shtml

If Eric has made an impact on your life through being a UREC participant, employee, or coworker, we'd love to hear from you in the comments! 💜

08/24/2026

Whether you're introducing your little one to the water, helping your child learn new skills, or looking to improve your own stroke technique, UREC Swim Lessons offer something for everyone. Registration is now open! 🏊
https://www.jmu.edu/recreation/activities/aquatics/lessons.shtml

08/14/2026

Congratulations to UREC's marketing team for earning two 2026 NIRSA Creative Excellence Awards. 🏆

The Spring 2025 Hiring Campaign, led by Dori Havens, received the Integrated Marketing Campaign Award for showcasing the meaningful opportunities for students to learn, lead and grow through employment at UREC. The campaign inspired hundreds of students to apply and become part of our community.

The Experiential & Pop-Up Activation Campaign, led by Sarah Handel, was recognized for engaging students through fun, interactive experiences that encouraged movement, connection and well-being across campus.

As recent graduates, Dori and Sarah leave a lasting legacy at UREC. We are proud to see their creativity, leadership and impact recognized on a national stage. Thank you to everyone who helped bring these award-winning campaigns to life! 💜

08/05/2026

Join us in congratulating graduate student Parth Dheeraj Bhatia on his Next Step in Sports and Rec! Parth is pursuing his Master of Science in Sport & Recreation Leadership with a Campus Recreation Concentration and working as a Graduate Assistant for Sport Clubs. This summer, Parth is serving as a Campus Recreation Leadership Intern at James Madison University. Congratulations, Parth!

07/27/2026

Join us in congratulating 2026 graduate Emma Bacon on her Next Step in Sports and Rec! Emma is headed to the University of Georgia to serve as the Senior Coordinator for Competitive Sports. Emma will graduate from JMU in August 2026 with a Bachelor's in Sport and Recreation Management and a minor in Business Management. At UREC, she has served as an Intramural Sports Official and a Camp UREC Counselor. Congratulations, Emma!

07/15/2026

Join us in congratulating graduate student Kate Terry (‘25) on her next step in Sports and Rec! Kate is interning at East Tennessee State University Campus Recreation over the summer. At JMU, Kate is pursuing a Master’s in Sport and Recreation Leadership with a Campus Recreation Concentration. She has served as an Operations Supervisor, Recreation Manager, and Event Operations Specialist, and is currently UREC’s Graduate Assistant for Operations and Student Development. Congratulations, Kate!

07/08/2026

University Recreation (UREC) is currently seeking applicants for the Facilities Manager to provide maintenance oversight for UREC's indoor and outdoor satellite facilities, ensuring safe, functional, and program-ready environments that support recreation programs, sport competitions, special events, and university engagement.
Learn more:

Working Title: UREC Facilities Manager State Role Title: Trades Technician III Position Type: Full-time Staff (Classified) Position Status: Full-Time FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime College/Division: Health and Wellbeing Department: 300034 - University Recreation (UREC) Pay Band: 3 Pa...