Contact: Maridith Geuder
Dirron D. Allen
A Mississippi State graduate student is the only non-professional member of the National Intramural/Recreational Sports Association's top leadership body.
Dirron D. Allen, a Woodbridge, Va., native pursuing a master's degree at the university, is NIRSA's student representative. He recently was elected by peer members of NIRSA.
The Corvallis, Ore.-based nonprofit organization has more than 2,000 professional and student members spread among American universities and colleges, military installations, YMCAs and YWCAs, and other groups offering recreational sports programs.
"In addition to representing the interests of more than 800 student members, Dirron will serve on the association's board of directors," said Laura E. Walling, MSU director of recreational sports administration.
Walling said NIRSA provides numerous benefits for student members, including, among others, opportunities for professional development and training, access to a research grant program and participation in certified recreational sports specialist training.
Allen currently is enrolled in MSU's nationally recognized counselor education program. He earlier received a bachelor's degree in sports management from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va.
When not attending classes, Allen serves as graduate assistant for facilities at the Joe Frank Sanderson Center, MSU's 146,000-square-foot comprehensive recreation facility.
Allen said an immediate career goal is to lead a campus recreational facility like the Sanderson Center. His long-range plan, he added, is "to seek a doctorate and eventually become student affairs vice president at a university."
Last year, Allen was the Office of Recreational Sports' employee of the year. He is scheduled to complete his master's next year.