State Director
Dean Bowen- Worcester State University
Since 2007 Dean has held student, and professional involvement with NIRSA and his respective state associations. These premier associations of recreation leaders in higher education have continued to provided him framework to provide his respective campus community with the educational and developmental opportunities it needs to thrive. Through the assistance of NIRSA resources, State, Regional, and National workshops/conferences he has been able to bring change to the Colleges and Universities that he has been fortunate to be a part of. He has had the great opportunity to serve as the New York State Director (2013-2015), while at Stony Brook University as the Assistant Director of Fitness & Wellness Programs (2009-2016).
Since relocating to MA in 2016, he has heavily involved himself at the state level with MARS, not only serving on committees, but hosting our state workshop in 2017. Dean is currently the Assistant Director/Fitness Center Manager at Worcester State University. He has many certifications including NSCA CSCS, ACSM Personal Trainer, USA Weight Lifting Sports Performance Coach, NETA Personal Training and Group Exercise Instructor and more. Dean also received his BS in Physical Education and MSEd in Adapted Physical Education from S.U.N.Y. Brockport (Go Golden Eagles!). He looks to continue to impact of the Massachusetts Association for Recreation Sports. During this pandemic is has become clear the immense value in networking and coming together, and this will remain true in the future. HIs goal would be to continue to add growth- through membership, and value to its members- through involvement. Dean currently resides in Barre, Mass., with his wife, Michelle, and their sons, Jack and Carter.
Contact: dbowen2@worcester.edu, 508-929-8291
Secretary
Matt Collum - Boston College
Matt (he/him) started his time with Boston College in July 2019, where he serves as the Member Services and Operations Coordinator. He earned a Master's Degree in Sport Management from Western Illinois University ('Neck Up!) in 2019, and a Bachelor's Degree in Health and Physical Education (K-12 Teaching Certification) from Montclair State University in 2017.
Matt also works with Athletics as the game clock and/or scoreboard operator for the ACC Football, Men's and Women's Basketball, as well as Women's Lacrosse programs at Boston College. Outside of his position(s) with BC, Matt has been involved through NIRSA as a member of the Region I Student Development Committee (2020 - Present), as well as the Career Development Center Committee (2018 - Present). As a student, he held student positions within the Region III Student Lead On Committee and as the New Jersey State Student Leader.
Outside of recreation, Matt is a die hard New Jersey Devils hockey fan, (unfortunate) New York Jets and Mets fan, and big time fan of Syracuse Men's Basketball. An avid tv/movie fan, some of his favorites include Star Wars (episode 3 is the favorite), Good Will Hunting, Breaking Bad, The Office, HIMYM, and New Girl!
Contact: collumm@bc.edu, 617-552-2468
Treasurer
Ryan Parsons - Boston University
Ryan is currently the Manager of Intramural and Club Sports at Boston University. Prior to his professional role, Ryan was the Intramural Graduate Assistant at BU. Ryan is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the NSCA and has experience training Division 1 and professional hockey players. Outside of BU, Ryan is a high school and college hockey official as well as an avid golfer.
Contact: rparsons@bu.edu, 617-358-3767
State Student Leader
Katie Waken - Boston College
Katie is a senior at Boston College majoring in Communication with a Marketing minor. She has been working at the Margot Connell Recreation Center since September 2019 as a Facility Supervisor.
At BC, Katie is the Social Media Director of WZBC Sports Radio, the student run sports broadcast; her favorite teams are the Atlanta Hawks, the Atlanta Braves, and all BC sports. She is also the President of Avid Listeners Boston College, a music discussion club; her favorite bands are Nirvana, Led Zeppelin, and Steely Dan.
After graduation in May 2022, Katie aspires to get her Master's in Advertising or Media Studies while working as a Graduate Assistant in campus recreation.
Contact: waken@bc.edu