Bridgewater is a special place where our job is to help develop students. The thing I love the most is watching a student mature into a leader by the time they cross the stage at commencement. To see that transition, that’s what it’s all about.
回到高中， 玛丽·贝思·兰姆 didn’t consider going to college. Instead, she took every steno and typing class to prepare for a career as a secretary.
“My guidance counselor, Mrs. Robinson, kept telling me, you should be on the college track,兰姆说.
She eventually took the advice to heart, when she realized just how much she loved one subject in particular – a subject that could turn into a profession.
“我喜欢健身。. It was the one place I could be free. I’m an introvert and there are very few places I felt comfortable, and sports was one of them,”她说。.
所以，在Mrs. Robinson, 羊肉 did the necessary coursework to pursue a career in athletics.
Had she not switched gears, 羊肉 would never have been selected as a recipient of the 2021-22 National Association of Collegiate Directors Cushman and Wakefield 体育运动 Director of the Year Award. There were 28 honorees in all this year. The award highlights the efforts of athletics directors at all levels for their commitment and positive contributions to student-athletes, 校园, and their surrounding communities, according to the organization.
When she learned of the honor, 羊肉, who has worked at Bridgewater State University for the past 10 years and currently serves as the associate vice president for 体育运动 and 健康, 是谦卑.
“I do get uncomfortable with the praise,”她说。. “I look at it as an honor for the program and everyone here at the university. I’m well aware I couldn’t do half the stuff I do unless the students, 教练, and university each did their part…. they all make me look good and I’m blessed to be here.”
The “stuff” 羊肉 has done includes guiding the BSU athletic program that supports over 500 student-athletes and 22 varsity sports as well as a variety of sport club and intramural/recreational activities. She has expanded the club sport program to include women’s ice hockey, 体操, 高尔夫球和男子橄榄球.
羊肉 has pushed to create four additional full-time coaching positions and enhanced the athletic program’s budget and overall commitment to excellence.
“That’s one of the things I’m most proud of, being able to hire for our teams and student-athletes full-time 教练. Having that full-time presence really helps build relationships and connections,”她说。. “Coaches see you at your best and worst, they have to find ways to pick up and motivate students, to keep them involved and engaged. 这是一个非常紧张的角色.”
In 2020 the NCAA named BSU the NCAA Division III LGBTA Athletic Department of the Year in part because 羊肉 has helped to create a diverse, 包容, and welcoming culture within athletics.
She has also overseen major renovations such as those involving the Moriarty Pool, 斯文森田径队, and the Adrian Tinsley Center, as well as the construction of the new Bear Paw Pavilion locker facility, and looks to tackle renovating the tennis courts next.
羊肉 is always looking ahead, questioning how she can best support student-athletes and the overall BSU community to create a space that benefits all.
“I really do think strategically. 我是一个长远的思考者. Laying the groundwork now for something that will develop five years from now is important,兰姆说.
最重要的是, 虽然, it’s been creating connections and watching the students grow that has been the most fulfilling work.
“Bridgewater is a special place where our job is to help develop students. The thing I love the most is watching a student mature into a leader by the time they cross the stage at commencement. To see that transition, that’s what it’s all about,兰姆说.
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