UO Vice President R. Kevin Marbury has been selected to receive the 2022 Honor Award from NIRSA — Leaders in Collegiate Recreation at its upcoming annual conference this March.

The Honor Award is the association’s highest honor and is awarded annually to a member who has provided exemplary service to the association and has made impressive achievements in the field of collegiate recreation. The organization was formerly known as the National Intramural Recreational Sports Association.

Marbury has served the sports association in many roles, including past president designate of the group’s board of directors. During his time in that role, Marbury helped lead association members as the group significantly shifted its governance model.

After graduating from Earlham College with a Bachelor of Arts in biology and physical education, Marbury joined the association in 1980. He then completed a Master of Science in recreation and leisure studies and a doctorate in higher education administration, both from the University of North Texas.

Early in his career, Marbury served as a director of intramurals and recreation, recreation center manager and night supervisor.

With a focus on inclusion for all and mentorship of other professionals in the field, Marbury is known by his peers for his servant leadership. He has served on a number of task forces and committees, all working to support the association’s goals for universities across the country and beyond.

"I am so honored to receive the NIRSA Honor Award because my successes are a direct result of all that my peers have poured into me over the years,” Marbury said. “This association has been such an incredibly supportive community and I will be forever grateful for all I have learned and for the opportunities I have had to serve in this organization."

Prior to serving as the vice president for student life at the UO, Marbury served as the director of the Student Recreation Center. During his time the building saw a major transformation with a $50 million dollar expansion and renovation project.

“As the director of UO’s Department of Physical Education and Recreation, Kevin's involvement in the Student Recreation Center expansion project showcased his belief in the value and importance of providing top-quality facilities, programs and services,” said Brent Harrison, associate director for programs within the Department of Physical Education and Recreation. “It was his leadership that elevated our department to one of the top programs in the country. Congratulations to Kevin on receiving NIRSA’s Honor Award.”