Rochester Hills resident named 2014 Outstanding Administrative Professional at Oakland University

Oakland University’s AP Assembly has chosen to honor Greg Jordan as the 2014 Outstanding Administrative Professional. For the past 18 years, Jordan has served as OU’s director of campus recreation, guiding the department since its inception and supporting a host of community-wide health and fitness initiatives.

“I am honored and humbled to be named the recipient of this year’s award.  The previous recipients represent a longstanding history of quality work and dedication to Oakland University and their respective departments,” Jordan said. “While the individual recognition is appreciated, I am blessed with the opportunity to work with an outstanding group of colleagues in my department who all make significant contributions to our mission and our values.” 

Working with departments across campus, Jordan has helped implement a variety of health and wellness initiatives, including Building a Better OU, Wellness Wednesdays and Shape Up OU. He has also served in a variety of leadership roles, including university liaison to the Michigan Senior Olympics, president of the AP Association (twice), All-University Fund Drive team captain and on several OU committees. Since participating in the construction of the Campus Recreation Center, Jordan has played a leading role in expanding recreation programs at OU.

The center features a range of amenities, including a fitness center, aquatic center, indoor track and social lounge. Campus Recreation staff coordinate a variety of programs, including club and intramural sports, group exercise and fitness, employee wellness programs, and CPR and First Aid training. Construction is underway on the Upper Field Complex Project, which includes the addition of an outdoor track, soccer field and outdoor tennis courts to campus.

“The new Recreation and Athletic Outdoor Complex will have a significant impact on our ability to grow and add programming to our portfolio,” Jordan explained.  “The OU community will be able to participate in a wide variety of recreational opportunities over 10 months of the year and well into evening hours with the entire complex having lights.”

The project has a completion goal date of October 1, 2014.

Along with his work on campus, Jordan is among leaders helping to promote health and fitness in the community and beyond.  He is the university’s liaison to the annual Health Plus Brooksie Way Half-Marathon, 10K and 5K, which was started by Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson in honor of his late son. Now in its seventh year, the event is one of Oakland County’s most popular quality-of-life programs, drawing more than 7,000 participants to Oakland’s campus in fall. This year’s race will take place Sunday, Sept. 28.

OU Registrar Steve Shablin, who nominated Jordan for the Outstanding AP Award, says Jordan has distinguished himself as a “go-to” member of the university’s dedicated staff.

“Greg is well-respected among his colleagues, both at OU and across the nation,” Shablin said. “With his leadership, the Brooksie Way has become one of the premiere road races in the State of Michigan.”

Jordan is also recognized as a longtime member and past president of the National Intramural Recreational Sports Association. He currently serves on the organization’s Member Network and several key committees, and has made several presentations at state, regional and national conferences. 

Glenn McIntosh, interim vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, describes Jordan as an “outstanding ambassador” for the university.

“Greg is a selfless servant leader who effectively collaborates with students, faculty, staff and surrounding communities to provide services that enhance individuals’ quality of life,” McIntosh said. “As his supervisor, I have the daily privilege of witnessing his relentless mission of ensuring that OU’s Department of Campus Recreation is a respected operation, not only on campus, but also nationwide.”

Jordan will be presented with the Outstanding AP of the Year Award during a reception from 3-5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28 in Oakland Center Banquet Room A. The entire university community is invited to attend.

The annual Outstanding Administrative Professional Award was introduced in 1984 to recognize the contributions of the AP community. This award is given to an AP employee who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in his or her professional role. For more information or to view a list of past winners, visit the website.