BC Grad Returns to Direct Wellness Center
Bluefield College alumnus Rodney Kasey, a former student-athlete who played basketball for BC, has returned to his alma mater to serve as director of the new Sims Wellness Center.
Being a leader on campus is nothing new for Kasey, considering he served in a variety of leadership positions while a student at BC. Kasey was a member of the men’s basketball team from 2011-2015. In 2015, he was named to the All-Academic team for the Appalachian Athletic Conference and was dubbed a Champion of Character by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) for the way in which he exemplified “integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership.”
“I enjoyed being able to not only be an athlete, but be a part of the student body through residence life,” Kasey said. “I was an RA (resident advisor) and an RHD (resident hall director) during my time at BC, and I really enjoyed being able to support students and student-athletes while they lived in the dorm.”
After graduating from Bluefield College, Kasey stayed close to Bluefield. He was an assistant men’s basketball coach at Bluefield State College and was also a youth director of athletics for the City of Bluefield, West Virginia.
“I had the opportunity to not only run athletic programs and camps for the youth, but also oversee and manage four major facilities in the area, including what is now the Herb Sims Wellness Center,” Kasey said about his work with the city. “Others include City Park, Mitchell Stadium, and The Bluefield Fitness and Recreation Center.”
Now as the director of BC’s Sims Wellness Center, Kasey will oversee programs and community events in the facility. He will also be a part of the strength and conditioning program for BC athletes and sports performance with the BC Sports Medicine staff. Staying busy is important to Kasey, and he tries to make every minute count during the day.
“I could be spending time with a team or simply just watching over the facility while students use the Wellness Center,” Kasey said. “Also, in my down time I take care of managerial tasks like preparing for the upcoming youth basketball season. I spend most mornings planning the day and then trying to implement plans that I have made with sports teams or through the community.”
Kasey said he wants the Sims Center to be a place where students can succeed and the college can grow. Adding intramural sports and helping propel BC’s athletic teams to the top of the conference is at the top of his list of goals.