Brian Thomas Named Interim Director of Campus Recreation at Western Illinois University
Brian Thomas, assistant director of Campus Recreation at Western Illinois University, has been named interim director of Campus Recreation, effective June 4. Nick Knowles accepted a job off campus.
Thomas was hired as the assistant director in January 2018, and was promoted to associate director in January 2021. In these roles, Thomas has supervised intramural sports and fitness operations, co-supervised the aquatics center, equipment room, front desk, and facility management, as well as represented Campus Recreation at recruitment events. He has also supervised the personal trainers and fitness instructors, led the day-to-day operations of the Donald S. Spencer Student Recreation Center’s fitness center, and developed fitness events and competitions.
“Brian is an invaluable member of the WIU Campus Recreation team, and he will serve our students well as the interim director,” said Joe Roselieb, executive director of Auxiliary Services and Risk Management.
Prior to joining Campus Recreation, Thomas was a fitness coordinator and personal trainer at the McDonough County YMCA for four years.
Thomas is a chair for the Fallen Soldiers Run/Walk Committee at WIU, and a member of the Employee Wellness Committee, COVID-19 Response Team, and Emergency Consultation Team. He also served as an adjunct professor in the kinesiology department in Spring 2022.
He received his master’s and bachelor’s degrees in kinesiology from WIU.
