University News
RPTA Celebrates 40th Anniversary
March 25, 2008
MACOMB, IL -- Forty years ago, Tony Mobley created the department of recreation and park administration at Western Illinois University to prepare students to enter the leisure services field. Since its inception in 1968, the department – which was renamed recreation, park and tourism administration (RPTA) in 1989 – has graduated more than 3,000 students.
To celebrate the department's 40th anniversary, the annual RPTA Professional Development Conference, which was established in 1998, will be held Thursday-Friday, April 17-18, in conjunction with a golf outing, social and reception.
"In a world characterized by new technologies and rapidly changing needs, the recreation, park and tourism profession is being challenged to provide more opportunities for meaningful leisure experiences," said Dale Adkins, RPTA chair. "We meet this challenge through a comprehensive curriculum, pioneering instruction and professional learning experiences designed to prepare students for leadership roles in a variety of professional settings. There has never been a more exciting time to become involved in the field of recreation and leisure services. "
The department can also boast the fact that it has been continuously accredited by the Joint Council on Accreditation of the National Recreation and Park Association and American Association for Leisure and Recreation since 1978. In addition to providing bachelor's and master's degrees in recreation, park and tourism administration, students from any discipline can minor in American Humanics to be prepared and certified to strengthen and lead nonprofit organizations.
The celebration begins with a four-person, best-ball "Big Bogey Classic" to benefit the RPTA Scholarship Fund at noon Thursday, April 17 at WIU's Harry Mussatto Golf Course. Cost for the golf outing is $50, which may be sent to the RPTA office (see address below). The RPTA undergraduate student organizations will host an alumni/student social at 7 p.m. April 17 at the Alumni House.
Friday, April 18 activities include the Professional Development Conference, which begins at 7:15 a.m. in Horrabin Hall 1. Founding RPTA Chair Mobley, who is dean emeritus of the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation at Indiana University, will present a keynote address at noon, followed by an awards and recognition ceremony.
Mobley joined the recreation and park administration faculty at Western in 1965. When he arrived at WIU, there were only two recreation courses and they were part of the physical education curriculum. Mobley was involved in launching a new College of Health, P.E. and Recreation (HPER), and a new recreation and parks curriculum. As the only faculty member in recreation, he was named chair of the department, a position he held from 1968 to 1972. At Western, his leadership was instrumental in transforming the department's offering from just two courses to a full curriculum, including a master's degree, with 240 students and 10 faculty members.
In 1972, Mobley was named chair of the department of recreation and parks at The Pennsylvania State University. Mobley returned to Indiana University, where he obtained his master's and doctorate degrees in 1976, and where, at the age of 38, he was appointed dean of the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation. He remained in this position for 26 years, until his retirement in 2002.
The anniversary gala concludes April 18 with a 4 p.m. reception and meal at Horn Field Campus.
"I'd like to invite all of our alumni and former faculty, as well as current students, friends and faculty, to participate in any – or all – of the events we have planned to commemorate our 40th anniversary," Adkins added. "This is an excellent opportunity to renew old acquaintances, make new friends and celebrate our program's success and achievements over the past 40 years. We're especially excited to have Dr. Mobley return to campus. Without his vision and leadership, the RPTA department would not be where we are today."
To register for the Professional Development Conference, send $10 by Friday, April 4 ($15 after April 4) to the RPTA Office, Currens Hall 400, Macomb, IL 61455.
Posted By: Darcie Shinberger (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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