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Mallory Birney joined Operations & Guest Services at Kent State’s Recreation and Wellness Services in September 2021. She had been following familiar footsteps – inspired by her sister, a former supervisor in the same area. Mallory stepped into a role that would ultimately shape her leadership style, professional confidence, and future career in education.

Through December 2024, Mallory has served as Operations & Guest Services Lead and Reservations Supervisor, overseeing the reservations department, recruiting and training new employees, and developing monthly in-service trainings. When asked about her favorite part of working in the department, Mallory surprisingly found that the monthly and mock emergency trainings stood out most. “It was easier to connect with people,” she shared, emphasizing that they strengthened teamwork and created a supportive environment.

Mallory graduated in Fall 2024 with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Early Childhood Education (Pre K-5), majoring in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Autism Spectrum Disorders. She quickly transitioned into the classroom, first serving as a Title 1 reading teacher with the Olentangy School District and now teaching fourth-grade English Language Arts at New Albany Intermediate School. Adapting to manage two classrooms each day has prepared Mallory through her coursework and hands-on experiences. 

Her experience in the RecWell department continues to influence her teaching. The CPR and First Aid certifications have proven all-important when supporting students with medical needs. Furthermore, the professionalism and leadership she’s gained as a supervisor translate clearly into her classroom management and collaboration with educators from different areas. Recalling her presentations at regional conferences with NIRSA in Chicago and Columbus reminded Mallory of how RecWell and her supervisor helped strengthen her communication skills and broaden her professional network.

Mallory explained that her proudest moments have been watching her reservations staff grow. Going from training the employees to seeing the progress as staff was deeply rewarding, and a full-circle leadership moment. 

When asked about the transition after graduation, Mallory admitted that adjusting to life beyond the college environment was simpler than she thought. Professionally, she felt the Recreation and Wellness Services prepared her well through her familiarity with the NACE competencies, practicing collaboration, leadership, and community-building.

To current students, Mallory offers direct advice: take opportunities when they’re presented, no matter how intimidated they may feel. “You will find your people in college,” she emphasizes. To her, being a former Flash means being a community builder, respectful, and continually growing – both professionally and personally.