J.T. Timmons joined the University of Iowa as director of Recreational Services July 29.

Timmons will provide strategic direction for the department; communicate its mission, vision, and values; and organize and manage Recreational Services' operations and programs.

His background includes posts at Monmouth College, Western Illinois University, Augustana College, St. Ambrose University, and most recently the University of Illinois Springfield, where he was director of recreational sports.

Timmons is an American Sport Education Program Certified Coach as of 2013, and has been a professional member of the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association since 2002.

His initial priorities include reaching out to key campus individuals in the Department of Athletics, UI Wellness, and the Division of Student of Life in order to better interface and collaborate.

Timmons succeeds Harry Ostrander, who started phased retirement this summer after more than 40 years in the job.