Marci Iverson is the assistant dean of students and director of the recreation and leadership department. She is a native of the area, originally hailing from Arcadia. She left for a time, returning to La Crosse from the Minneapolis area, where she studied at the University of Minnesota and worked a year with an alpine ski club.

While serving as the assistant director of recreational sports at Viterbo University, she earned her master's degree from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. During her time at Viterbo, she has grown and taken on different responsibilities, always remaining connected to campus recreation. Her position and role on campus has grown and evolved, along with the department.

She currently serves in dual roles, with a variety of responsibilities, which ultimately serve the same purpose of providing avenues to support the well-being and personal growth of students. Through the recreation and leadership department, Iverson and her team provide a space (Mathy Center) along with programs and services for students and the campus community to gather, play, and workout. She oversees the Mathy Center operations, collaborates with colleagues and students on well-being efforts, facilitates and coordinates departmental and divisional assessment efforts, and serves as a member of the Title IX team as well as a conduct officer.

In addition to Iverson's work on campus, she is an active member within NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation. She has served on a couple committees and task forces within the organization. She has received recognition for her work with the Small Programs (small schools and community colleges) task force as well as her work with the Health and Well-being Task Force. The association work augments her work on campus.

How (and/or why) did you come to be at Viterbo?

I have been at Viterbo for 15.5 years, starting as the assistant director of recreational sports. I was at a transitional point with a ski club I had been working and what I wanted to pursue a new opportunity. I missed higher education and the campus recreation setting. I came across the position and was able to pursue my master's degree simultaneously. The institutional core values, the relationships with colleagues, and connections made with students are what brought me to Viterbo and why I have stayed.

What do you love most about working at Viterbo?

The relationships with colleagues and students. The connections made, friendships fostered, the growth witnessed, and the lasting impacts are profound for me.

A close second is the nimbleness and flexibility that exists within my work to adapt to the changing environment and needs of the student body and campus community.

What inspires you?

The people I have the pleasure to engage with. The hard work, determination, adaptability, and resiliency displayed by the students provides me with energy and motivation to continue to serve them. In addition, I am in awe of my colleagues. Their focus on student well-being and providing the best educational experience possible amidst all of the challenges and obstacles present is amazing.

 What advice would you give to students regarding heading out into "the real world"?

Find and follow your passions, honor your boundaries, remain present in the moment, take care of your personal well-being, and determine what serves you best so that you may bring your best self to all areas of your life — work, home, relationships, family, etc. We are able to show up fully, as our best selves, for others and in our communities when we practice self care.

Do you have a little-known fun fact about yourself that would surprise students and co-workers?

I am a first generation American! My father immigrated to the United States when he was only 21 years old. He had an older sister who had already immigrated and was residing in the area. He was planning on coming for a longer term visit, and he ended up staying.

What do others say about you?

• Marci is very organized and goal-oriented. I appreciate this as I personally struggle with it, and I find it helpful as we collaborate. She is considerate of the people she serves and works with.
• She is a hardworking, dedicated, approachable leader who emphasizes good communication and is flexible and supportive. She encourages and supports creating and maintaining life balance (work/home/friends/etc.).
• Marci is very well organized. Able to take control of a situation when needed. Willing to stand up for what she believes is right, even if there will be some backlash. Marci is fair and supportive of her team. She is passionate about well-being initiatives. Marci is always looking to move forward rather than stay content with status quo. This also relates to being the testers of new innovations on campus. I can count on her to be a sounding board, provide guidance, and be there when needed.