REC Employee Spotlight - Jenna Hartke

UB Recreation hosts diverse programs and opportunities year-round for staff and students. The dedicated employees are essential to its operation, reflecting the heart of UB Recreation.

Meet Jenna Hartke, an exceptional junior at the University at Buffalo, majoring in Dance BFA. Born on January 15, 2004, in Houston, Texas, Jenna now calls Orchard Park, NY her hometown. She uses she/her pronouns and has an array of aspirations, from becoming a professional dancer and choreographer to owning a fitness studio.

Jenna’s journey with UB Recreation began during her freshman year. “I needed a job but didn’t have a car, so I emailed the recreational department,” she recalls. Her love for fitness and prior experience in various areas led her to connect with Jessica Nyrop, the Associate Director for Fitness and Instruction for UB Recreation.

As a fitness instructor, Jenna’s responsibilities are multifaceted. She ensures her classes are well-structured, prioritizes student safety, and strives to make each session enjoyable. Initially teaching spinning classes, she is now expanding to Body Barre and Mat Pilates. “Working for the Recreation department has truly helped my career goals and personal life grow in ways I never expected,” Jenna shares. This experience has inspired her to pursue a group fitness certification, aiming to blend her passions for dance and fitness.

If given the opportunity to create a new program for UB Recreation, Jenna would focus on one-on-one student interactions. “There is a lot of value working with one person versus many in the fitness setting,” she explains.

Memorable and Humorous Moment: One memorable moment from her spin class highlights her positive attitude and ability to connect with participants: “During one of my first classes, my foot wasn’t fully secured in the pedal, and I almost fell off the bike. It made the whole class laugh.”

Jenna’s involvement with UB Recreation has significantly enriched her college experience. As a dance major, she typically spends her days with the same group of students, but teaching fitness classes has allowed her to meet new people and explore her interests further. She balances her academic commitments by scheduling fitness classes directly after her dance ones, dedicating her evenings to rehearsals and other tasks.

An unusual request from a student once prompted Jenna to reflect on her passion for fitness. “A student asked, ‘Why do you enjoy this… that was way too hard for me?’ I told them that fitness is a journey. It’s not going to be easy at first, but it’s worth pushing through and building a consistent schedule.”

Although Jenna’s dance commitments have prevented her from participating in other fitness classes, she believes her experience as a fitness instructor will benefit her future career goals, whether in dance or fitness. Outside of her role in UB Recreation, Jenna has developed impressive musical skills. “I have been musically inclined ever since I was little, hence why I am a dancer, but I also taught myself how to play the guitar. It’s one of my favorite things to do during my free time.”

Jenna’s advice to students considering involvement with UB Recreation is to “just jump into it with an open mind. Only good can come out of these classes for both your body and mind. Think about it as self-care and one of the best ways to take care of yourself as a college student.”

Jenna Hartke exemplifies the dedication and passion that make UB Recreation a vibrant and supportive community. Her journey and achievements inspire fellow students to explore their interests and take advantage of the opportunities available at UB.