Trey Knight
Knoxville,TN
Summary
Experienced and strategic campus recreation leader with over 15 years of progressive responsibility in aquatics, outdoor recreation, and staff development. Adept at managing complex facilities, large-scale budgets, student leadership development, and cross-functional teams. Proven ability to build and enhance high-performing programs and lead large teams of student and professional staff in alignment with institutional priorities.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Director, RecSports
University of Tennessee
02.2024 - Current
- Lead operations for two Olympic-sized swimming pools and associated aquatic programs and facilities, including the Student Aquatic Center.
- Manage a portfolio of aquatic and outdoor programs, including trip leadership, climbing wall operations, outdoor gear rental, and experiential education.
- Supervise the Aquatics and Safety Coordinator, two Outdoor Pursuits Coordinators, and the Outdoor Pursuits Graduate Assistant.
- Oversee recruitment, training, development, and performance evaluation of professional and student staff.
- Direct facility scheduling and lane assignment for internal and external user groups.
- Coordinate with Facility Services and external vendors on pool maintenance, filtration, chemical systems, HVAC, and compliance with state codes.
- Implement digital scheduling and lane visualization tools for increased operational transparency.
- Co-lead assessment and strategic planning initiatives aligned with student development and departmental outcomes.
Assistant Director, Outdoor Adventures
University of Miami
03.2020 - 01.2024
- Built and directed all aspects of a new Outdoor Adventure program including facility design, budget management ($250K), and program development.
- Supervised Outdoor Recreation Coordinator and student staff.
- Oversaw operations of a 9,000 sq. ft. outdoor facility and additional 15,000 sq. ft. of outdoor space.
- Led First-Year Trips and Adventure Leadership academic courses.
Outdoor Recreation Director
University of Tennessee
09.2015 - 02.2020
- Managed $350K budget and $45K in revenue from rentals, sales, and trips.
- Led 90+ adventure trips annually and managed Rec Sports van and trailer use.
- Supervised 2 graduate assistants and 50+ student staff.
- Oversaw Outdoor Center, Bike Shop, and 6,000 sq. ft. climbing wall.
- Designed and implemented outdoor first-year orientation and special events.
- Secured $20K in Green Fee funding for trip scholarships.
Kayak Program Manager
U.S. National Whitewater Center
01.2014 - 08.2015
- Directed all kayak department operations, managing $500K budget, 2 full-time staff, and 80+ seasonal staff.
- Oversaw instructional programs, races, environmental education, and facility operations.
Flatwater Program Manager
U.S. National Whitewater Center
03.2013 - 01.2014
- Managed 56,000+ user day paddle program, budget, and special events.
- Supervised 35+ seasonal staff and led instruction and risk management training.
Education & Outreach Coordinator
American Canoe Association
08.2011 - 02.2013
- Managed national paddlesports education initiatives and public outreach.
Education
M.S. - Sports Administration
Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA08.2009
B.A. - Mathematics
Mercer University
Macon, GA05.2007
Certification
- Level 5: Advanced Whitewater SUP Instructor Trainer Educator
- Level 4: Whitewater Rafting Instructor Trainer
- Wilderness First Aid, SOLO
Outdoor Leadership Roles
- Assistant Outdoor Adventure Director, Falling Creek Camp, 01/01/07, 12/31/07
- Graduate Assistant, Outdoor Recreation, Georgia Tech, 01/01/07, 12/31/07
- Program Director and Paddling Lead, Falling Creek Camp, 01/01/07, 12/31/07
Committees And Leadership
- Division of Student Life Student Employee Evaluation Committee Chair, 2024-Present
- NIRSA Student Staff Development Committee, 2021-Present
- NIRSA Wellbeing Briefing Committee, 2021-2023
- Board Vice President, American Canoe Association , 2020-2022
- Safety, Education, & Instruction Council, Chair, American Canoe Association 2018-2020
- Safety, Education, & Instruction Council, Vice-Chair, American Canoe Association 2018-2020
- Professional Development & Assessment Committees, UTK Student Life, 2016-2020
- Presenter Relations Committee, AORE, 2016-2018
- Stand Up Paddleboard Committee, Chair, American Canoe Association, 2014-2016
Timeline
Assistant Director, RecSports
University of Tennessee
02.2024 - Current
Assistant Director, Outdoor Adventures
University of Miami
03.2020 - 01.2024
Outdoor Recreation Director
University of Tennessee
09.2015 - 02.2020
Kayak Program Manager
U.S. National Whitewater Center
01.2014 - 08.2015
Flatwater Program Manager
U.S. National Whitewater Center
03.2013 - 01.2014
Education & Outreach Coordinator
American Canoe Association
08.2011 - 02.2013
B.A. - Mathematics
Mercer University
M.S. - Sports Administration
Georgia State University
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