Annette Hunt-Shepherd, director of campus recreation and wellness and senior woman administrator in athletics, has developed a student-centered model that fosters leadership and collaboration. Through her authentic mentorship and commitment to student development, she empowers students to take on meaningful roles that develop and deepen enduring skills.
Annette Hunt-Shepherd was born in Manhattan, Kansas, but she spent most of her life living in different parts of the country. “From someone who has lived in many places, it's easy for me to move. What keeps me at Gettysburg is the students,” she said.
Hunt-Shepherd joined the Gettysburg College community in 2013. Previously the head softball coach, she now serves as director of campus recreation and wellness and senior woman administrator in athletics. She oversees intramurals, club sports, fitness, wellness, and climbing, while managing a student team of more than 100 employees.
“Campus rec is essentially a student-run organization,” she noted. “I may be the only professional staff member in the department, but what makes it all work is the students.”
Hunt-Shepherd has built a leadership model where coordinators, supervisors, and attendants are building enduring skills like adaptability, communication, intercultural fluency, and leadership.
“You might walk past the Jaeger Center desk and see two students sitting together. Maybe it’s an international first-year and a senior student-athlete,” she shared. “What you don’t see is the mentoring, teamwork, cultural exchange, and readiness to implement an emergency plan if needed. Those are real-life skills in action.”
Authentic connection is at the heart of Hunt-Shepherd’s work. She engages with students across all four years and feels honored to witness their growth. “The transformation from their first year to their senior year is incredible, especially after they study abroad,” she reflected. “They come back more confident and self-aware. Being part of that journey is one of the best parts of my job.”
Campus recreation has become a pillar of student life on campus. In fact, this past year, Gettysburg College was honored with a No. 2 ranking by the Princeton Review for intramural sports participation.
For Hunt-Shepherd, it has always been about helping Gettysburg students thrive. “When people think of Campus Rec, I would hope it brings a smile to their face,” she shared. “I am deeply grateful to my students for all they do.”
Learn more about how the Gettysburg Approach cultivates enduring skills within our students.
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By Brooke Askin ’25
Photos by Sofia Gutierrez ’26
Posted: 09/17/25