Our Staff Spotlight for June is Allison Yarrow, Coordinator of Campus Recreation.
Prior to her current position, Allison spent a season as a Marketing Assistant for the Memphis Redbirds minor league baseball team, and worked at Circle M Campground for eight years as their Recreation and Pool Supervisor, seasonal Manager on Duty, and Area Recreation Coordinator. Her start at Millersville University was as a Graduate Assistant in Campus Recreation from 2009 to 2011, followed by her return as a professional member of our staff in January of 2013 as the Coordinator of Intramurals. Since then, her title changed to the Coordinator of Campus Recreation, leading to an expansion of her position and additional responsibilities.
Since Millersville University’s transition to online learning in recent months, Allison has been able to use her creativity and tech-savviness to her advantage – and she loves a good challenge! “I know how these tough times make me feel so I can only imagine what our students and campus community feel,” explained Allison, “so I immediately go to work on providing weekly trivia that is now open to any MU members/family – incoming/current students, faculty, staff, spouses, alumni! I also rolled out 20 different eSports leagues/tournaments – we went from zero to literally 20 this summer! I was able to work with Jes Transue on the first Marauder Showcase, set up tournaments between MU/Bucknell/West Chester, establish daily social media challenges and Marauders Step Up (a step challenge) and Virtual 5K, created how-to videos that are being used, created remote work options for our student staff, held Strengths leadership weekly sessions, and created the MU/PMSD Buddy Program that was recently on Dr. Wubah’s Friday email blast and in the Merchandiser!” Allison is excitedly working on a list of additional programs and events that she can’t wait to roll out, and has been able to grow the @mucampusrec Instagram by hundreds of followers to over 1,000!
Allison’s favorite part of her job is being a positive role model and having a visible impact on students. “To see the leadership development and overall growth of the students from when they first start at MU until they graduate is amazing!” she said. “I love to be able to help others and step in where I can. Even in the current time, I absolutely love that I can use my creativity and continue to be a difference maker and have an impact on students, as well as others. From the different remote programming, to creating the MU/Penn Manor School District Buddy Program, I am able to continue to stretch myself and tap into a skillset within myself to impact others.”
When she is not focusing on improving our students’ Millersville experience, Allison enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing games and sports, volunteering around Lancaster with her church, biking and kayaking. She is currently helping her family with the upkeep of their home and chores during the pandemic, as both of her parents are in essential roles.
Thank you, Allison, for everything that you do on a daily basis for our students, our division and Millersville University!