CENTERS, LLC

12/05/2025

Are your messages landing the way you intend? In higher ed marketing and campus recreation, even strong campaigns can fall short when we assume our audience sees what we see. Today, at the NIRSA and ACUI Marketing Institute at 9:40 am CST, Closing the Communication Gap: Combating the Curse of Knowledge, CENTERS’ Matthew Schmiedl and Mikayla C. from Cleveland State University will share insights grounded in public health communication and campus engagement strategy.

What you will learn in this session:
- How to identify the gap between what you know and what your audience understands
- The impact of message framing and how it reduces confusion
- How to align communication goals with stronger, more strategic materials
- Key behavior theories that influence perception and action

Attendees will leave with practical tools that simplify, clarify, and strengthen messaging across all campus-facing channels.

12/04/2025

How is AI reshaping campus recreation, student affairs, and higher ed marketing? Today, at 11:00 am CST, CENTERS, LLC's Matthew Schmiedl will lead a hands-on session at the NIRSA and ACUI Marketing Institute focused on the practical ways in which generative AI is changing how teams plan, create, and communicate. The session will explore how AI streamlines daily operations, strengthens brand alignment, and elevates student engagement.

In this session, you will learn
- Practical, low lift applications that improve quality and consistency
- How strong prompts drive strong outputs and how to write them
- Scalable approaches to build prompt engineering skills across a team
- How to design custom GPTs and AI-supported workflows
- Ways to integrate these tools to enhance strategy and ex*****on

Participants will leave with actionable templates, tested examples, and clear steps they can apply immediately. The focus is simple. Save time. Improve accuracy. Strengthen your message. For anyone looking to stay current on AI and its evolving role in higher education, this session is worth attending.

12/03/2025

In a recent feature in Campus Rec Magazine, Dominic DiMauro, Director of University Recreation, and Paul Killen, Associate Director of Programs, share how their team at Jacksonville State University helped elevate the campus microcredentialing initiative known as Jax MIX. The article explains that all adventure trips now qualify as Jax MIX events within the Environmental Stewardship credential. Students learn technical outdoor skills, river reading, safe climbing practices, and Leave No Trace principles while earning credit toward a recognized microcredential.

The feature also notes that University Recreation programs such as Diversity in Climbing Week and International Students Night support additional Jax MIX pathways, including Community Engagement and Global Connections. Killen points out that participation has increased measurably. The return rate from fall to spring trips has historically been near 50 percent and rose to nearly 70 percent during the 2024 academic year. They credit this growth to the visibility and value created when recreation aligns with educational development.

DiMauro and Killen also highlight that recreation programs are now listed on the university’s academic event calendar, which helps more students discover these opportunities. Their work shows how recreation can strengthen learning, engagement, and skill development across campus.

Three campus rec professionals from Jacksonville State University discuss the new University Recreation micro-credentialing program.

11/26/2025

CENTERS delivers a strategic approach that aligns mission and margin by turning campus innovations into scalable practices that benefit every partner site. The team bridges the gap between vision and ex*****on by transforming recreation centers, student unions, event venues, and other student life assets into dynamic ecosystems that support wellness, learning, and community connection. Through its Outcomes Control Panel, CENTERS evaluates performance across five critical areas, including financial health, student experience, educational value, community impact, and institutional capacity. This allows campuses to make decisions that strengthen their mission while driving sustainable growth. The model unlocks new revenue opportunities in ways that protect access and student success while elevating operational efficiency and long-term sustainability.

Key Highlights
- Scalable innovations that move from one campus to many
- Integrated operations across recreation, events, student centers, and more
- Revenue strategies that support the mission without sacrificing access
- Community and industry partnerships that broaden impact
- A performance framework that balances financial, educational, and community goals

Read more: https://centersusa.com/finding-balance-how-centers-aligns-mission-and-margin/

11/20/2025

Our November CENTERS, LLC Solutions newsletter is live, and this edition centers on one priority that every institution is navigating. Creative revenue that strengthens financial sustainability while protecting mission.

This issue explores the practices and partnerships that are helping campuses grow revenue in ways that strengthen culture, student experience, and long-term sustainability:
- Strategic approaches to aligning mission and margin in high-impact campus environments
- How the CENTERS Standard of Service shapes team culture and elevates the student experience at Harper College and DePaul University
- Event, rental, and partnership strategies at Cleveland State University and Harper College that generate revenue, expand reach, and build community value

If you lead student affairs, auxiliaries, recreation, or campus operations, this issue delivers clear insight into what is working, what is scalable, and what sets CENTERS apart as a strategic partner.

Email from CENTERS, LLC Explore revenue strategies that strengthen student success Inside November 2025 Edition: CENTERS Solutions: Balancing Mission and Margin: Innovation That Pays Off Innovation i

11/17/2025

Tuesday, November 18, at the NACAS C3X Conference, do not miss a session that speaks directly to operational efficiency and revenue strategy.

Greg Ross, CENTERS, LLC, and Sean Ries, Cleveland State University, will outline a proven model that turns coordinated operations into measurable financial impact.

Event Services That Scale: How Bundled Operations Drive New Revenue. This presentation will show how Cleveland State’s bundled approach to event, facility, and conference services increases utilization, strengthens service delivery, and drives new revenue streams. The focus is on practical structure, data-supported decisions, and a model that can be applied across campuses.

If your institution is looking to simplify operations, optimize space, and capture untapped revenue, this is the session to attend.

11/13/2025

If you are attending the NACAS C3X Annual Conference and Expo in Las Vegas, visit the Brailsford & Dunlavey and CENTERS, LLC booth #312. Meet with Paul Brailsford, Kim Martin, and Greg Ross to discuss strategic approaches that support institutional goals and explore how thoughtful planning and operational excellence can elevate the student and campus experience. Attendees can also enter to win a YETI backpack cooler.

Featured CENTERS & B&D Sessions
- Operational Harmony: Solving Cross Silo Challenges: Learn how aligning operations and culture creates a One Team Mindset that strengthens institutional strategy and the student experience.

- Transforming Campus Life: Creating Johns Hopkins' First True Student Center: Check out the new Bloomberg Student Center and see how integrated dining, design, and operations redefine campus life.

- Event Services That Scale: How Bundled Operations Drive New Revenue:
Explore how coordinated event, facility, and conference services simplify operations, unlock new revenue opportunities, and support sustainable growth.

Visit booth #312 to learn how CENTERS, LLC and Brailsford & Dunlavey, Inc. partners with institutions to innovate operations, elevate campus services, and deliver measurable impact.

The C3X Annual Conference & Expo is the premier event in higher education, bringing 1,000+ leaders and Business Partners together to connect and share.

11/12/2025

Cleveland State Recreation Center is taking sustainability to the next level. Backed by a new grant from Parallax Advanced Research and supporting partners, the team is expanding its garden initiative to include hydroponics and, soon, a full greenhouse. This investment reinforces a shared commitment to innovation, education, and wellness through hands-on learning and community impact.

Through this initiative, the CSU Rec team continues to redefine how campus recreation connects wellness, sustainability, and community engagement. This summer alone, 42 pounds of produce were donated to students, faculty, and staff, strengthening food access and education across campus.

As the program expands, so does its impact. New partnerships and collaborations continue to position CSU Recreation as a model for purpose-driven operations, showcasing what is possible when innovation meets community.

Cleveland State University’s Connected Gardens: Workforce Development Through Urban Agriculture  Pictured (left to right): Timothy J. Square Jr., Katie Blodorn, Dr. Judy Ausherman, and Chris Rennison, standing behind CSU’s FarmBot At Cleveland State University (CSU), the Connected Gardens: Urba...

11/08/2025

At the Athletic Business Conference in San Diego, CENTERS leaders Michelle Rieger and Yvette Kell will present The Art of Delegation at 8:30 a.m. This session explores how effective delegation strengthens leadership, prevents burnout, and builds trust across teams.

They will address why many leaders hesitate to delegate and provide clear strategies to overcome those barriers. Attendees will learn how to recognize when delegation is necessary, identify the right tasks to assign, and match responsibilities to team strengths.

The presentation also outlines how to set clear expectations, foster creativity, and maintain accountability to achieve stronger results. Join Michelle and Yvette for practical, actionable insights you can apply immediately to improve how your team works.

11/07/2025

At the Athletic Business Conference in San Diego, CENTERS leaders Michelle Rieger, PhD, and Yvette Kell will present The Power of Trust at 2:00 p.m. This session examines why trust is more than a buzzword; it is the foundation of every successful team and organization.
 
They will explore the key components of trust, how it shapes workplace culture, and the behaviors that build or break it. Attendees will learn how to strengthen trust within their teams and within themselves, creating environments where people feel safe to take risks, learn, and grow.
 
The presentation also addresses the impact of lost trust and provides practical strategies for rebuilding it. Whether you lead a team or want to enhance your own confidence and connection at work, this session delivers valuable insights for cultivating stronger, more effective relationships built on trust.

11/06/2025

In Beyond Fitness: Recreation Centers as Mental Health Anchors, Michelle Rieger, PhD, of the Cleveland State Recreation Center, delivers a powerful message about how recreation can transform campus culture. Her article challenges the traditional view of recreation as just a place for workouts and instead positions it as a strategic driver for wellness, belonging, and institutional success. With over three decades of leadership experience and a doctorate in Leadership and Health and Human Performance, Michelle brings both expertise and purpose to the conversation. Her approach captures what makes CENTERS, LLC different, combining innovation, strategy, people, and impact.

Key Takeaways from Michelle’s Article:
- Recreation as a Catalyst for Change: Michelle highlights how recreation centers support student well-being, connection, and retention by providing spaces that promote mental health and inclusion.
- Belonging Strengthens Success: She explains that students who feel seen and supported are more likely to thrive, reinforcing the value of recreation as part of the educational experience.
- Strategic Alignment Matters: Every CENTERS operation is designed to reflect the mission and goals of its institution, ensuring that wellness and learning move forward together.
- Consistency and Innovation: Through the Programs of Innovation and Systems and Standards, Michelle ensures measurable results, operational excellence, and continuous improvement across all campuses.
- Empowered Teams Build Strong Communities: Her focus on staff development encourages leadership at every level, creating environments where students and employees feel connected and capable.

“Recreation centers are far more than gyms; they are places where students find belonging, build resilience, and strengthen their overall well-being,” Michelle says. Her words remind us that recreation is not simply an amenity but a foundation for thriving communities. Her insight offers a blueprint for how strategy and human connection work together to shape the future of campus wellness.

Mental health for students improves when recreation centers deliver intentional programming and expert management that foster wellness and belonging.

10/30/2025

Turning Partnerships into Performance: Campus Recreation at Harper College and Life Fitness / Hammer Strength | A Strategic Collaboration Driving Innovation and Impact

As Julie Bearden, CENTERS, LLC Director at Harper College, shared:

“Our role is to help Harper maximize the value of its partnerships. This collaboration ensures that the investment translates into long-term success.”

This initiative transforms more than the facility itself. It strengthens the connection between education, innovation, and community wellness at Harper College and delivers measurable outcomes that extend well beyond recreation.

Through a multi-year partnership with Life Fitness and Hammer Strength, Harper invested in more than fifty pieces of advanced fitness equipment and launched a Performance Insights Lab that now serves as a living classroom for applied research and student engagement.

The partnership has elevated how the college operates and delivers value:

- Enhanced student learning through hands-on opportunities in biomechanics, product testing, and data analysis.

- Expanded collaboration across academic disciplines, including kinesiology, engineering, and business.

- Improved member experience through integrated technology such as Life Fitness Connect and Trainer Connect.

- Strengthened institutional reputation by positioning Harper as an innovation leader in health and wellness education.

- Long-term operational efficiency through data-informed decisions that guide future investments and facility management strategies.

Under Julie’s leadership, every step was strategic. This collaboration ensures that capital investments produce sustained impact while supporting student success, community health, and institutional growth.

The result is a recreation center that not only serves its members but also drives research, learning, and innovation.

This partnership showcases the CENTERS approach in action. We help institutions operate smarter, align strategy with mission, and maximize every investment for measurable performance

Life Fitness, Harper College, and CENTERS partner to advance fitness innovation, hands-on learning, and research through new equipment and collaboration.