NIRSA Pathways to Engagement and Leadership 2026 year

Dr. April Flint, NBC-HWC, currently serves as the Senior Director for Recreation and Wellness at Emory University and as an Assistant Professor in the Sport Management program at Kennesaw State University. Her career began as a graduate assistant at Georgia Tech. April holds a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management, Master of Science in Sport Administration, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Higher Education. April is also a Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach. Over the years, April’s professional journey includes roles such as Coordinator for Sport Clubs, Summer Camps & Special Event at Georgia Tech, and Director of Intramural Sports at Clemson University.

At Emory University, April has taken on numerous leadership roles, including Co-Chair of the Healthy Emory initiative, Chair of the Campus Life Senior Staff Convening Committee and Chair of the Athletics and Recreation University Senate Committee. Her work extends across campus as a member on the First-Year Curriculum Map Committee, displaying a commitment to embedding wellbeing and leadership into the student experience. April has also served as a Subject Matter Expert in development of a Student Leadership Philosophy Framework.

As a long-time member of NIRSA, April has held various regional and national leadership roles in the organization. This includes contributions as the Host Committee Chair for the NIRSA Region II Conference, Chair for the NIRSA Championship Series Assessment Work Team, Chair for the NIRSA Region II Student Development Work Team, Commissioner for The Registry for Collegiate Recreational Sports, Director of Officials for NIRSA National Basketball Championships, and as a Principal Investigator on NIRSA Large Research Grants. April also serves on the Editorial Board of the Recreational Sports Journal, ensuring research and best practices in recreation are shared widely across the profession.

April’s professional career is defined by a passion for learning and a dedication to leadership. Most recently, her work led to an opportunity to co-author a chapter titled, “Mentoring in Officiating” in the book, “Managing and developing sports officials: Officiating excellence.” Whether advocating for her team or in the classroom, April emphasizes empowering future leaders who will carry forward the vital role of recreation in higher education, ensuring they are well-prepared, adaptable, and ready to make a lasting impact.