Influential Woman · Sport and Recreation Management

Jill Sturts

Department Chair for Sport and Recreation Professions and Assistant Dean, Batten Honors College, Virginia Wesleyan University

Virginia Beach, VA 23455

1Award received

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Bachelor's Degree Degree Master's Degree (2004) Degree PhD (2015) Cert Mental Health First Aid Certification (in progress) Member NIRSA (National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association) Member Recreational Sports Journal Editorial Board Member NRPA (National Recreation and Parks Association) Member TALS (Academy of Leisure Sciences)

Her Story

About Jill

Sport and recreation management professional with expertise in recreation, pedagogy, and the impact of physical activity and recreation on college students. Passionate about helping students pursue careers in sport and recreation management and placing them with community partners. Experienced in campus recreation administration, curriculum development, teaching, and honors college leadership. Committed to mentorship and helping those working with or for me to rise.

Quick Facts

IndustrySport and Recreation Management
Based inVirginia Beach, VA
Specialty Recreation
- Pedagogy
- Impact of Physical Activity and Recreation on College Students
- Sport and Recreation Facility Management
- Honors Education
Volunteers with Girls on the Run
- For Kids (nonprofit assisting with homelessness and families in Hampton Roads)
- Boys and Girls Club (previously in Bloomington)

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Jill

01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

The best advice I've received from my mentors has been about the importance of attention to detail and the importance of leadership, specifically leading away from the group to help advance the group in general. While this wasn't necessarily direct advice, something I observed from people I trusted was doing what you can to help the people behind you. I'm grateful for the advice and mentorship I've received, but then it's now up to me to help people who are either working with me or for me to help them rise.

02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

My biggest piece of advice would be to pursue something that you are passionate about, find out how you can get involved and start in small ways to give back and build your network and gain experience. I think budget can always be a challenge, so it's important for young professionals to be innovative with ideas of how they might be able to supplement their budget. I think AI can also present challenges and advantages, so being able to identify what those are and how you can best prepare is also important.

03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

I think budget can always be a challenge, so it's important for young professionals to be innovative with ideas of how they might be able to supplement their budget. I think AI can also present challenges and advantages, so being able to identify what those are and how you can best prepare is also important.

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