Russell Crispell

Russ Crispell (image by Kate Spengler, used with permission)

Published August 16, 2018 This content is archived.

Each month, we'll introduce you to an interesting member of the Professional Staff Senate. This month's featured member is Russ Crispell, director of Outdoor Pursuits in Student Life.

How long have you worked at UB?

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I started working at UB back in 1980 as a graduate assistant for the physical education department back in the Clark Hall days. In 1982, I was hired as an assistant men's tennis coach and served as the head women's tennis coach 1985-1987. After leaving UB to teach physical education and science, I returned in 1993 after the World University Games and have been with UB since that time.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love taking students "into the wilds" to see them experience their first sighting of a grizzly, a wolf or the views from the top of a mountain. How could I not enjoy those moments?

What's the most difficult part about your job?

I have had the opportunity of traveling throughout the U.S. seeing a number of quality outdoor recreation facilities at various college campuses. Knowing what I have seen over the years, I find it so difficult to continue to offer programming where we have to make do with limited resources and limited facilities.

What would you say is your biggest achievement at UB?

My biggest achievement at UB has to be being part of a committee that finally brought access to paddling on Lake LaSalle. This was a 20-year push. We give access and the students participate. In 2016 we had over 6,000 students paddle.

Tell us something about your department that isn't well known.

Many folks are not aware that Outdoor Pursuits has tents, sleeping bags, camping gear and more. Free to borrow for our students at UB!

If you were to share some advice for other professional staff, what would it be?

I always believe that you have to be true to yourself — follow your passion, never be afraid to speak the truth, and lastly, know that we are here at UB to ultimately help students find their passions too.

Do you have any hobbies? What do you do for fun?

My love of the outdoors keeps me busy with hiking and paddling, as well as fishing too. Love to go out and listen to my wife sing and her band play the blues!

Do you have a favorite meal you like to prepare?

Favorite meal is Copper River sockeye salmon marinated in Buffalo wing sauce cooked over a hot fire!

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Hudson Bay, Canada — love to see polar bears in the wild.

Any other fun facts about you?

When I call my granddaughters on the phone, I howl like a wolf and they howl back. Then we talk!