Vance Takes on the PAC at ASU's Polytechnic campus

MESA, Ariz. — Back in the summer of 2001, an 11,520-square-foot Physical Activity Center (PAC) was completed on Arizona State University's Polytechnic campus in time for the fall semester. Since its opening, recreation programs were limited and Exercise and Wellness graduate students managed the center. Recently that changed.

The enrollment growth and increased need for more recreation programs has prompted the hire of Jeff Vance, director of campus recreation programs in Student Affairs at the Polytechnic campus.

Vance is no stranger to ASU. Prior to moving to the Polytechnic campus he worked for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean's Office as a program coordinator for about four years, where he was responsible for advising students, and coordinating the college's convocation, special events and conferences, as well as special programs.

"We conducted a national search for this position and were fortunate to find someone with Jeff's experience in college recreation who was interested in developing a quality recreation and intramural program on our campus, and he was practically in our own backyard," says Student Affairs Dean Gary McGrath. "We interviewed all qualified in- and out-of-state candidates, but Jeff had the most appropriate experience, ideas and enthusiasm for building something from scratch."

In his new role, Vance is responsible for developing recreation programs as well as managing the operations of the PAC, which is a fully-equipped exercise facility, including free weights and cardio machines. Fitness classes are held in the cardio and mat rooms, with classes ranging from basic training and step aerobics to spinning. Intramural sports will be another area of growth, including softball, soccer, billiards, tennis and table tennis.

According to Vance, he sees the position as a way to get back into the recreation field. "Most of my career experience has been spent in recreation and it's really where my interests are," says Vance.

Vance has a more than seven years of recreation experience, working in different capacities at higher education institutions as well as public agencies. His professional and personal experiences will be a perfect fit for the Polytechnic campus.

"In addition to my recreation background, I am familiar with several program areas here on campus, including aviation, which was my undergraduate major, and agriculture through 4-H as a participant for 10 years," says Vance.

And, if in the future the PAC expands, Vance adds, "In graduate school, I helped create new facilities for recreation use, assisting in the planning of a 40 acre outdoor sports complex."

Vance received his B.S. in aviation and his master's degree in recreation management both from The Ohio State University.