Aaron Mowen

Aaron Mowen is the Director of Recreation & Wellness at Grand Valley State University and is set to retire after 21 years of distinguished service in the United States Marine Corps. With a collegiate recreation career spanning 16 years, Aaron has made significant contributions to the field, actively engaging with NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation, including serving as Michigan State Director in 2020, a member of the NIRSA Assembly in 2022, and currently as part of the History and Legacy Committee.

Aaron's path in recreation began during his time at Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU), where he was heavily involved as both a participant and student employee in campus recreation, complementing his kinesiology studies in Exercise Science. Engaging faculty members like Dr. Jennifer Bridges, Paul Ballard, and Lynn Grant played a pivotal role in shaping his experiences and encouraging his career path in sports administration.

In 2003, Aaron enlisted in the Marine Corps, and in 2006, after completing his third year at SVSU, his unit was deployed to Fallujah, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Despite putting his studies on hold, Aaron's dedicated faculty ensured he stayed academically engaged by sending textbooks and quizzes during his deployment. Upon his return, Aaron's campus involvement flourished—he initiated the first student veteran organization at SVSU in 2007 and took on leadership roles in campus recreation, overseeing intramural programs, event scheduling, and student training.

Aaron earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from SVSU, and his early involvement in campus recreation laid the foundation for his successful career in collegiate recreation. His leadership is defined by a deep commitment to community engagement, inclusivity, and student development, with a strong focus on creating accessible programs and advancing campus initiatives that promote professional growth across the region.

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