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Staff Interviews

ONE-on-ONE with

Greg Burdette

Position: Assistant Director – Internet Technology

Education: BS Industrial Engineering, SIU - Carbondale

What made you decide to earn your bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering?
My older sister was attending Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. I applied to a couple of the local universities, but had sent some test scores to some alternate schools. My test scores indicated that I excelled in the engineering area, so I decided to pursue that avenue. I was accepted to U of I, but decided that it was too close to home. SIU-C contacted me through a letter accepting me as a student even though I had not applied. Apparently, the school had a siblings program, which had recommended me to the college. So I decided to attend SIU-C.

What was your first recreation position?
My first recreational experiences were mowing lawns for the Paxton Park District and lifeguarding at the Rantoul Base Pool.

What was your first professional recreation position?
While working towards my Masters degree, I was offered the position of Assistant Pool Director at the University of Illinois' Campus Recreation.

When and why did you get promoted to your current job?
In the summer of '99, I was promoted to Computer Analyst. Due to my Engineering background, I was fairly fluent with computer programs. I increased my knowledge with the help of Heui Dong, a programmer for the Housing Department on campus.

What are your current job responsibilities?
I develop software for the membership and equipment rental and return sectors of Campus Rec. I battle computer viruses for the entire staff and am currently supervising one student staff member.

What is the best part about working for Campus Rec?
Probably the best part about working for Campus Rec is working on a college campus. I believe the atmosphere is more conducive to having fun and leading a healthy, active lifestyle. I also enjoy getting to teach students that want to learn. Getting to work with the students keeps me youthful.

What is the most challenging aspect of working for Campus Rec?
I find it difficult to keep up with the students. Styles, ideas, and interests are changing daily and the students are constantly teaching me as well.

What are you most proud of accomplishing professionally?
The most rewarding aspect of this job is the potential impact that I can have on a student. I still keep in contact with people that are now professionals, but were once my student lifeguards. It is exciting to know that I may have inspired someone to make certain decisions in their life.

What is your personal fitness philosophy?
I don't believe that you have to do specific workouts to lead a healthy lifestyle. Instead, participate in activities to work both your body and mind. As an avid bike rider myself; I think the key to personal fitness is simply leading a lifestyle of being active.