James Rogers, who spent three years as the Director of University Recreation at Drexel before a year as the Executive Director at the Spring Valley YMCA, is in his first year as the Director of Campus Recreation at the University of Pennsylvania.
"We were impressed with James' leadership in recreation both inside and outside of higher education,"
Alanna Wren, the T. Gibbs Kane, Jr. W'69 Director of Athletics and Recreation said. "He has a record of advancement within institutions and serving the needs of members. We look forward to welcoming James back to University City and joining the Penn community."
"I am honored to join Penn's Division of Recreation and Intercollegiate Athletics as Director of Campus Recreation," Rogers said. "Penn has a vibrant and diverse campus community, and I look forward to collaborating with students, faculty, staff, and campus partners to enhance opportunities for wellness, engagement, and connection across the University and beyond."
For the past year, Rogers has provided strategic and operational leadership for a 175,000 square foot flagship YMCA in Royersford, Pa. The Spring Valley YMCA served more than 17,000 members and operated with a $6.4M budget. He developed and implemented a comprehensive marketing and member engagement strategy which resulted in a 9% increase year-over-year in membership enrollment. He also secured the branch's highest-ever annual fundraising total, increasing the annual campaign by 36%.
Prior to joining the Spring Valley YMCA, Rogers spent more than six years at Drexel University. From 2021-24, he served as the Director of University Recreation, leading operations for a 52,000 square foot facility and all club and intramural sports, personal training, group fitness, wellness events and esports. While at Drexel, he managed a $4M annual budget and increased revenue 105% from FY22 to FY24. He led a $1.1M facility refresh and executed fundraising efforts that generated $75,000 annually.
Rogers arrived at Drexel in 2017 as the Manager of Climbing and Experiential Education before being promoted to Assistant Director of Recreational Facilities and Operations in 2019. He began his career in 2016 at LSU where he served as the Coordinator and then Assistant Director of Adventure Education.
He earned a Bachelor of Science in Recreation, Park and Tourism Management from Penn State in 2016 and a Master of Science in Sport Management from Drexel in 2021. From 2007-2012, Rogers was a Platoon Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, leading a 45-person infantry platoon through multiple deployments.
