Horn named interim director of Rec Sports

John Horn has been named interim director of the University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Recreational Sports, Vice Chancellor for Administration Darrell Bazzell announced Wednesday. Horn has been the director of recreational programs and facilities since 2004.

Horn’s specific responsibilities have been to oversee management of the Southeast Recreation Facility (SERF), the Natatorium, outdoor activity spaces, and all of the programs that operate out of the division. He has also been responsible for scheduling and contracting all events in those facilities. He has chaired the Rec Sports Student Advisory Committee and the Rec Sports Student Leader Team.

Horn is a certified recreational sports specialist. He earned a master’s degree in recreation management from the University of Arkansas and worked for its Recreation Department as a graduate assistant in Intramural and Club Sports from 1998-2000. He was appointed associate director and managed the Health, Physical Education, and Recreation Facility at Arkansas and served as the Fitness, Outdoor Connection, Aquatic and Special Event director from 2000-2004.

He has a bachelor of science degree from UW-Eau Claire with an emphasis in exercise management. He served as the UW-Eau Claire University Recreation Intern in 1997-1998. 

“I couldn’t be more fortunate than to be offered such a wonderful opportunity here at UW–Madison,” Horn says.

“This is a fantastic place to work with a great staff and outstanding students. I have a strong passion for this university and the students, and I love being a Badger. I like to say that we work so everyone else can play, but it is much more than that.

“To see the students engaged in our programs and to watch them come into our facilities by the thousands every day is very rewarding and energizing.”

Dale Carruthers, the longtime director of Rec Sports, will be retiring early next month. A search for a permanent replacement will begin in the near future. Horn will begin his new duties on Monday, Sept. 10.