University Recreation Director
by Kaitlyn Baase - March 6, 2014
Cindy Horn believes that, "Students are the leaders of our future and deserve every
opportunity we can offer to help them become who they are meant to be." Each day,
as part of her work as Ferris State University's director of University Recreation,
Horn sees opportunities to help students find themselves and move toward ultimately
realizing their full potential.
"College students are so full of life; they question everything and are forever changing,"
said Horn, who supervises approximately 150 student employees in her director role.
"There's never a dull moment when working with Ferris students and the rewards are
beyond compare."
In addition to working with a student staff, Horn directs many of the daily operations
of University Recreation. Her duties include developing student schedules, processing
memberships and overseeing the general operations of the Student Recreation Center.
In addition to those duties, Horn serves on university committees, including the Student
Affairs Administrative Council and the Student Affairs Assessment Committee.
Horn noted that she especially enjoys working with freshmen as she is able to watch
them grow into professional individuals by the time they're ready to graduate. She
also enjoys hearing back from students who have previously graduated and connecting
with them.
"Ferris students are a special breed as they are often the first in their family to
go to college," said Horn, who graduated from Ferris in 2002 as the holder of a Bachelor
of Science in Recreation Management with an emphasis in Outdoor Adventure Education.
As a Ferris student, Horn worked in the Office of Student Leadership and Activities
(now known as Center for Leadership, Activities, and Career Services) and with the
University Recreation Challenge Course. Horn also completed both her field experience
and internship needed for graduation through UREC. After graduating from Ferris, Horn
took a job at Ferris and worked her way up to director of the Office of Student Leadership
and Activities. In 2007, she was asked to direct University Recreation, temporarily.
Ultimately, she applied for and earned the department's director position.
Horn has enjoyed her role with UREC. As an administrator and director, she now watches
as students develop and mature during their Ferris experiences. Horn wants all students
to make the most of their college experience. She advises the students that she encounters
to be active, involved and actively involved.
"I urge students to get involved with campus life such as student organizations, intramural
sports, volunteering, serving on committees, attending conferences and stepping up
into leadership roles," she said. "Employers are interested in more than a degree;
they are looking for well-rounded individuals who have made the most of their college
experience by getting involved."
Kaitlyn Baase is a News Services student writer in University Advancement and Marketing.
For others featured in the Faces of Ferris series, visit:
https://ferris.edu/HTMLS/news/faces/