EOM Winner December

Jonathan Hernandez, Assistant Director of Campus Recreation, was selected as the Texas State Employee of the Month for December 2021.

Most of Jonathan’s contributions fall under one of two major goals: develop and improve Campus Recreation facilities; and improve the health and wellness of the campus community. In both capacities, Jonathan has gone above and beyond to ensure the continued success of Campus Recreation and Texas State University, even during times of upheaval.

Like many departments across the university, Campus Recreation faced significant impacts due to COVID-19. Facilities like the Student Recreation Center (SRC) were particularly hard hit with many facilities and programs reduced or cancelled. The SRC faced shortages in funding and in custodial and student staff. Despite the shortages, Jonathan ensured that the facility was sufficiently covered by him and his team so that it remained open during its normal business hours. Jonathan adjusted work schedules and tasks so that sanitation of key facility areas was prioritized. He has had to be extremely adaptable not only in his work with a reduced staff, but also providing creative options to reduce costs during university-wide budget reductions.

To comply with changing CDC and university guidelines throughout the pandemic, Jonathan has had to consistently update the framework operations for the SRC user reservations system to ensure that the SRC was meeting social distancing and COVID-19 protocols compliance. Additionally, he has orchestrated multiple moves of over 40,000 pounds of weight equipment and 110 cardio machines to adjust to changing space requirements.

Jonathan has not only seen to the success of his area during the COVID-19 Pandemic but has helped ensure the success of Texas State as a whole. His team set up the SRC for mass vaccination events including inoculation and rest areas. Jonathan’s organization not only met the needs of the Student Health Center’s vaccination requirements, but the needs of those using the SRC – usually meaning that Jonathan and his team had to quickly repurpose the space for other SRC activities before or after vaccination events.

Even in normal situations, Jonathan is quick to step-up whenever he is needed. He has been known to jump on a mower to get a field ready for play, help construct a stand for group exercise cycle instructors, provide large spaces for student organizations not associated with the SRC, and even replace lights in offices. One great example is after the Winter Storm Uri in February 2021, when Jonathan personally helped assess damage and verified the wellbeing of student and professional staff members.

In line with his goals, Jonathan continuously contributes to the improvement and success of Campus Recreation as well as the health and wellness of the campus community as a whole. Congratulations Jonathan, on your dedication and hard work, and being recognized as the December 2021 Employee of the Month!