University News

RPTA Assistant Professor Megan Owens
[Download Print-Quality Image]

WIU RPTA Program Partners With Illinois Park and Recreation Association

July 13, 2018

Share |
Printer friendly version

MACOMB, IL – The Western Illinois University Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration is partnering with the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) Leadership Academy to become the University Partner for the IPRA Leadership Academy.

The partnership was led by RPTA Assistant Professor Megan Owens, who will serve on the IPRA's Board of Regents. RPTA alumni Dan Schimmel, a 1976 and 1987 RPTA bachelor's and master's graduate, who is the retired executive director Buffalo Grove Park District, will serve as an additional liaison who will help the RPTA department build connections with the Leadership Academy participants.

The IPRA Leadership Academy, which began in October 2012, is a six-month program for park and recreation professionals, regardless of their career stage. The academy offers two curriculum levels, which focus on leadership development and strengthening parks and recreation agencies across Illinois.

"The Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration is strongly committed to building key relationships that will help connect our students to professionals working across the fields of recreation, outdoor education, parks, events, hospitality, therapeutic recreation and non-profits," said Owens. "This is one example of a relationship built to benefit both the current practitioners working in Illinois park and recreation agencies and our students."

The IPRA is the membership association and professional development source for Illinois park and recreation professionals. Owens said IPRA is a significant partner for the RPTA Department as Illinois park and recreation agencies provide community level programs that impact community development, health, wellness, diversity, inclusion and make a significant economic impact through numerous events.

For more information about the academy, visit bit.ly/2LgZb2q. For more information about WIU's RPTA program, visit wiu.edu/RPTA.


Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing