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We are proud to highlight one of Kent State Recreation and Wellness Services' devoted supervisors for the Adventure Center, Tess Golden, a senior majoring in Marketing with a minor in Advertising. Working in RecWell has been a defining part of her college experience, one where she’s found a community that has supported her growth from her very first year on campus.

Tess’s first position was landed in the Adventure Center when she came to Kent State. The family-oriented environment at once stood out to her. Once she felt a genuine sense of belonging upon her arrival, it had been a big reason she’s stayed in the department. “I never felt a reason to leave,” she shared. 

When asked about her favorite part of the job, Tess includes the flexibility and variety it offers. No two weeks have looked the same – “some may be filled with office time; others may involve running active programs, and many are a mix of both”. This has kept her role adaptable and exciting. Tess has felt supported with her academic success through monthly career readiness forms, which promoted professional reflection and growth. She notes that these tools helped her recognize her strengths and areas for development. 

RecWell has aided Tess in forming strong leadership skills despite her not expecting it. As an introvert, she once believed that leadership was specific to extroverts, but her experiences challenged that idea. Tess has learned how to step out of her comfort zone and cultivate her own method of leadership. She finds contentment in being a role model and positively affecting another employee’s day. Tess has kept motivated when being around other hardworking college students. Knowing everyone is navigating similar challenges has helped her avoid burnout and stay grounded. 

Referencing the weekly meetings she has with her supervisor, Chris Lukas, Tess has found support in the constructive and reaffirming feedback she’s received, even when she thought she fell short. “I am grateful for his insight and perspective”, she adds. Seeing the other leadership styles within the many supervisors and employees has been eye-opening for Tess. She’s collected those skills and insights and shaped the leader she has become today.

Tess previously served as the Officer of Marketing and Events for the Student RecWell Council and was recognized as Adventure Center’s Student Employee of the Year in 2024-2025, as well as the Excellence in Culture and Belonging that same year from Career Exploration and Development’s Student Employee Awards Celebration. Beyond RecWell, she holds a major leadership role as Vice President of Chapter Operations for Delta Sigma Pi, a co-ed professional business fraternity where she oversees more than 130 members. Academically, Tess kept her spot on both the Dean’s and President’s List every semester she’s been at Kent State. 

Her advice for new hires? “Don’t let everyone’s weird glances get you. We walk around with a lot of gear... embrace being silly and have fun with it.”

Fun fact: Tess learned to drive stick shift in only two weeks, reflecting her willingness to learn, adapt, and take on new challenges.