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History of Parks, Recreation, & Tourism

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. Dr. Daniel Dustin joined the faculty as Chair in 2006 and served until 2013. Dr. Kelly Bricker was appointed Chair in 2013, and continues to serve as Chair of the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, within the College of Health.

New in 2020!

The Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Recreation have become two new departments, now Health and Kinesiology, and Parks, Recreation, & Tourism.  The return to Department for Parks, Recreation, and Tourism is a sign of strength and innovation—renewing and expanding our commitment to all aspects of health and well-being, from the individual to our global community and environment.

We continue to forge new relationships as a department, and we welcome returning to a department of over 50 years.  We also have learned new collaborative opportunities and will continue to work with colleagues across the college and university. While we have always remained true to our disciplinary roots we look forward to growing new branches with this development.

Undergraduate Advising

Senior Academic Advisor

Eric Gardner

Phone: 801-585-0832
Email: eric.gardner@utah.edu

Graduate Advising

Director of Graduate Studies

Jim Sibthorp, Ph.D.

Phone: 801-581-5940
Email: Jim.Sibthorp@health.utah.edu

Online ST&HM Program

Online Program Coordinator

Preston Tanner

Phone: 801-587-7357
Email: preston.tanner@utah.edu 

Program Director

Director of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism

Dorothy L. Schmalz, Ph.D.

Phone: 801-581-8542
Email: d.schmalz@health.utah.edu

PRT Main Office

PRT MAIN OFFICE
250 South 1850 East
Room 239, HPER North 

Salt Lake City, UT 84112

Phone: 801-581-8542
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