The Division of Student Affairs has held the annual Neal R. Gamsky Quality of Student Life Award ceremony every year since 1992. This prestigious award goes to a current Student Affairs staff member who has made a significant contribution to the quality of student life, which is readily acknowledged as such by peers and/or students.
The most recent Gamsky Award ceremony was held on December 12, 2023, and the Division of Student Affairs was pleased to recognize Dawn Pote, M.S. ’87, executive director of well-being and recreation, as the 2023-24 recipient.
Pote received her undergraduate degree in accounting in 1986 from Millikin University and earned her master’s degree in health, physical education, and recreation administration (currently recreation administration in the School of Kinesiology and Recreation) from Illinois State University in 1987. She currently serves as Illinois State’s executive director of well-being and recreation within the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, after returning to campus as the executive director for Campus Recreation in 2009.
Since returning to Illinois State, Pote has provided construction and operational leadership to projects including the Student Fitness Center and McCormick Hall, the Redbird Adventure Center, and, most recently, the Bowling and Billiards Center renovation for the new Redbird Esports program.
In addition to her administrative roles, Pote has served as an adjunct faculty member and a frequent guest lecturer. Over her past 12 years of teaching, she has shared her facility and event management expertise with both undergraduate and graduate students. She also has held numerous leadership roles with the American Red Cross, the National Intramural and Recreation Sports Association (NIRSA), and Calvary United Methodist Church, and she is currently serving on the board of directors for the Baby Fold in Normal.
As one nominator wrote, “In every role and on every campus, Dawn can be counted on as a high-impact leader. Her contributions can be seen far and wide. At her core, she is a people-first advocate. She demonstrates genuine care for other’s well-being and inspires them through a balance of kindness and accountability. She excels in effective communication, adaptability, and making tough decisions with empathy. Dawn is a thought partner, mentor, and coach to many.”
Pote resides in Normal with her husband, Al, and they enjoy traveling to sporting events, cheering the Redbirds to victory, and spending time with family. Two of her favorite Illinois State moments were handing diploma covers to her nephew, Bill, and niece, Hannah, who are also Illinois State graduates.
To learn more about the Neil R. Gamsky Quality of Student Life Award, visit the Awards page on the Student Affairs website.
