Unlike previous conferences that relied heavily on speakers, this year’s conference is going to provide our students an opportunity to learn more about the realities negotiated by families living in poverty. Following a poverty simulation done in partnership with the University of Illinois Extension Office, our students will have the opportunity to ask questions of leisure services practitioners. To learn more about ways you can sponsor or help at the conference, please contact Julie Eggleston at ja-eggleston@wiu.edu or click here.
Beginning in August 2023, public recreation and nonprofit administration practitioners will be able to complete two graduate programs in the Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration (RPTA) at Western Illinois University without ever having to go to a physical campus:
RPTA Masters' Practitioners Option
Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Event Planning
These programs are designed to be different than typical online programs where learning occurs in isolation using learning management platforms to passively deliver curriculum. Instead, students will experience collaborative learning as they interact in real-time with faculty and fellow learners in Zoom-based classrooms. For more information about these programs, please click here. If you could help us promote these opportunities, we would appreciate it.
At the undergraduate level, RPTA is currently pursuing articulation agreements that will ease opportunities for students to transfer from community colleges to WIU. We have completed four 2+2/3 agreements with the College of DuPage. We are in the process of developing agreements with Joliet Junior College and restarting a program with Eastern Iowa Community Colleges. We recognize that meeting the needs of transfer students, adult learners, and practitioners is vital to growing our enrollment.
Due to facility issues on campus, RPTA will be relocating to Knoblauch Hall this summer. We have a plan in place and are working with the administration to make sure our new classrooms will have the technology necessary to deliver quality experiences for our students, be they in person or joining us remotely. Our plan also includes spaces where faculty and students will engage in learning together in formal and informal ways. Once our move is complete, we’ll make sure to share photos and a virtual tour on our webpage.
Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Mindy Pheiffer, Director of the Horn Field Campus, we held a ribbon cutting and dedication for the Dr. Frank Lupton Pavilion as part of WIU’s Homecoming celebrations. The event was well attended and provided us an opportunity to honor Dr. Lupton’s incredible legacy. Photos of the event can be seen here. We’re thankful to all who donated time, talent, and financial resources to make this pavilion possible. We are now raising funds for Phase II of the project.
Soon, you will be receiving information about the upcoming Western Challenge Day of Giving scheduled for April 24, 2023. RPTA has identified three primary areas where we would appreciate additional support: outdoor education and leadership, technology improvements, and professional development opportunities for students. More information about our philanthropic needs can be found here.
As evidence of the impact of the RPTA program in the field, I would like to briefly highlight three young professionals that have been doing outstanding work. Cody Presny was recently awarded the 2022 U.S. Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary for Administration Award for his application of technical expertise in the modernization and enhancement of the Geographic Information Systems leveraged in the USDA Emergency Operations Center. Mary Herrington received the 2023 Park Resources Distinguished Service Award from the Missouri Park and Recreation Association for her efforts with the Blue Springs Park and Recreation Department. Stacy Swainston received the 2022 Young Professional of the Year award through Arizona Parks and Recreation Association. The professional preparation RPTA provides shines brightly through our talented alumni who continue to excel in the field year after year.
Please consider following us on social media to stay aware of what is going on in the department:
