FARMINGTON, ME (April 5, 2019)—Julie Davis, director of athletics, fitness and recreation at UMF, announced that Benjamin J. White has been appointed director of the University’s Fitness and Recreation Center, effective April 1.
“We are excited to have Ben lead the FRC and build on the strong and unique tradition of community access that we have here,” said Davis. “In addition to working in a broad array of recreation capacities in higher education, he brings community-based health and wellness, personal training, and private-sector business experience to the position. I believe he will excel at guiding the vision for the FRC and developing programming that continues to enhance fitness and recreation at the University and within the community.”
A native of Auburn, Maine, White earned his bachelor’s in psychology at Stonehill College and a master’s in exercise and sport science at Oregon State University. His higher education experience includes serving as director of intramural sports at Oregon State University, assistant director of recreational services at Bridgewater State University, and director of recreation and aquatics at Brandeis University.
He also has been director of health and wellness at the Auburn-Lewiston YMCA and vice president and chief operating officer of DSE Rec Software, a Massachusetts-based company that provides recreation management software solutions to the college and university market.
“The return to the field of college recreation in Maine is a dream come true,” said White. “I’ve lived and worked in Maine for many years, and worked in campus rec across the country, but never a marriage of the two until now. There is no school in the country of this size that delivers the same scope of programming and diversity of offerings. The first time I walked into the FRC, I saw retirees, faculty, staff, students, and toddlers. This is a true community facility, and I consider the chance to lead the programming here to be a privilege.”
White’s appointment at UMF follows a national search that included feedback from numerous stakeholders across campus, as well as community members whose families use every aspect of the center. The search drew well-qualified applications from across Maine and from as far away as Alaska.
As director, White oversees the University’s 42,493-square-foot facility, encompassing three multipurpose courts, a 1/8-mile track, cardio and weight rooms, and a 25-yard, six-lane pool. He is also responsible for the building’s staff of six professionals, 100 student employees, and the vast array of programming they deliver — everything from physical education classes, group fitness instruction, and intramurals to personal training, aquatics, and the Mainely Outdoors Program. With 120,000 visits each year, it is a hub for physical activity in Franklin County.
Learn more about UMF’s Fitness and Recreation Center at www2.umf.maine.edu/frc
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Media Contacts: Julie Davis, director of athletics, fitness and recreation, 207-778-7147, jadavis@maine.edu
Benjamin J. White, director of fitness and recreation center, 207-778-7494, benjamin.j.white@maine.edu
EDITOR’S NOTE:
Image: RP189-044
Photo Caption: Benjamin J. White
Photo Credit: UMF Image