Brian Devost, executive director of the Royce and Pam Money Student Recreation and Wellness Center at Abilene Christian University
Brian Devost was recently hired as the first executive director of Abilene Christian University’s Royce and Pam Money Student Recreation and Wellness Center. He called in from his Virginia Beach home this morning to talk about his vision for his new job and the campus’ new facility.
Have you ever been to ACU before?
I have been to campus twice during the interview and hiring process. I had the chance to look around. The people there are wonderful — very forthcoming and willing to help. I can’t tell you the number of faculty and staff who have emailed me.
How do you see the executive director position, especially as it relates to the rest of the university and the students?
I see my role as being the coordinator of all the different entities relevant to fitness and wellness, getting everybody together to promote an interest in general fitness and wellness and coordinating all the services we can offer to the rest of campus. I’m working with two very good people, Joel (Swedlund) and Kerri Hart. They’re going to be able to manage most of the programming. I see myself more globally.
What’s the first thing on your to-do list when you take over in June?
It’s getting a lay of the land. Trying to get a better understanding of what people really want. I really need to spend a lot of time talking with people about their hopes and ideas for the center.
What does a successful first year for the Money Center look like?
It’s creating an environment where students, faculty and staff can connect, where we are better educated about the components of wellness. I see success as one individual at a time, creating an environment where they can succeed.
What attracted you to this position?
There are some very passionate people who work at the university. Dr. Nicki Rippee in particular and her vision for wellness on campus was very refreshing to me. Reading the blogs and researching online was very appealing. Just bringing people on board who are looking at it in a positive way. I think everybody’s looking forward to the facility once it’s built. The potential for wellness to be a major focus on campus came through loud and clear.
How does your faith inform your work?
I lean a lot on I Corinthians 6:19 — “Don’t you now that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit?” Your body houses the Spirit, so we need to be responsible so we can be healthy enough to do His work. I need to make sure I’m a good steward. It’s bigger than any one thing; it’s global. It’s about service to God and being the image of God, like it says in Genesis 1:27.