Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism

Department History

Under the direction of Dean O. N. Hunter, The Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism evolved from one of three units that split from the College of Education in 1968 to form the College of Health.  In that year, Dr. Linn Rockwood was hired from Wisconsin to head up the Recreation Division.

In 1972, Dr. Dale Cruse became head of the division which gained departmental status in 1984.  The current name for the department was approved in 1995.  Dr. Gary Ellis, who joined the faculty in 1985 and served many years as Director of Graduate Studies, was appointed Chair in 1996 and led the faculty until 2005. Dr. Joseph Arave served as interim Chair in the 2005/2006 academic year, and Dr. Dan Dustin joined the faculty as Chair in July of 2006.

We offer programs of study leading to baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral degrees. Our undergraduate program is accredited by the National Recreation and Park Association.