Ohio University Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Program

04/13/2026

Outdoor Pursuits here at OHIO is hiring:

Discover the full value of joining Ohio University by clicking this link: https://www.ohio.edu/hr/compensation/total-compensation-estimator

03/04/2026

Our graduate program is still looking to fill some Graduate Teaching Assistant positions for Fall 2026.

If you have a current WFR, or can obtain, and are looking to advance your education with a Masters Degree in Parks, Recreation, Hospitality & Tourism we are still accepting applications for and interviewing interested candidates for teaching positions in our 1 credit hour skills courses (backpacking, canoeing, mountain biking, climbing etc.)

GTA Application: https://ohio.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0ixeIeqHjP75Nc1

Assistant Position Description: https://www.ohio.edu/education/recreation-sport-pedagogy-consumer-sciences/grad-assistants

Please share in your circles!

02/13/2026

Learning to be 'comfortably uncomfortable'...

The most impactful lessons aren’t always learned in a lecture hall. Two hands-on study away programs in OHIO’s Patton College of Education teach leadership, empathy and a sense of self in the real-world classrooms of North Carolina and Costa Rica.

The most impactful lessons aren’t always learned in a lecture hall. Two hands-on study away programs in OHIO’s Patton College of Education teach leadership, empathy and a sense of self in the real-world classrooms of North Carolina and Costa Rica.

09/20/2025

Ohio State Parks have been named the best state park system in the country…

📣 HEY, OHIO!
Ohio State Parks is the winner of the National Recreation and Park Association 2025 National Gold Medal Award!

PLEASE JOIN US IN CONGRATULATING Director Mertz and the whole Ohio State Parks and Watercraft Team!

Founded in 1965, the National Gold Medal Award program honors public park and recreation agencies and state park systems in the United State and armed forces installations worldwide. These agencies demonstrate excellence in parks and recreation through long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development and agency recognition. Applications are comprised of seven classes, with five classes based on population, one class for state park systems and one class for armed forces installations.
For more info: www.nrpa.org/goldmedal

09/10/2025

Participants Needed: We have a graduate student looking to recruit interview candidates to support his project!

Do you have >4-5 years working seasonally in the Outdoor Recreation industry?
OR
Have you worked 2 or more years in a non-entry level position in the Outdoor Recreation industry?
OR
Do you have a degree in ORE/Adventure Recreation/Outdoor Leadership or related field?

AND

Have you left employment in the outdoor industry for a year or more with your current employment NOT part of the outdoor industry???

PLEASE reach out to Hans Rudolf @ [email protected] about participating in an interview!!😀

09/05/2025

ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) – In this episode of The Anna Jinja Show, host Anna Jinja speaks with Lou Mei Gutsch, a master’s student whose story radiates resilience, joy, and gratitude. Adopted from China as “Mei Fan,” meaning “beautiful winter-blooming rose,” Gutsch reflects on her family’s adoption journey, her connection to heritage, and the traditions that shape her sense of belonging. With insights from her parents Rebecca and Ken, as well as a heartfelt testimonial from her professor Dr. Bruce Martin, the conversation highlights the power of education, love, and cultural identity. Gutsch’s infectious positivity, grounded in nature, literature, and family, offers listeners a moving reminder of how to embrace transformation and choose joy.

In this episode of The Anna Jinja Show, host Anna Jinja speaks with Lou Mei Gutsch, a master’s student whose story radiates resilience, joy, and gratitude.

02/25/2025

For those local-ish to Athens

March 4th, 6:00 PM Baker Center

Ohio Outdoor Pursuits and the Ohio Recreation Majors Association are hosting No Mans Land Film Festival. Following the screening of the films Carolyn Finney: Activist, Environmentalist, and author of Black Faces White Spaces will be serving as part of a moderated panel of professionals/experts!! All proceeds support the Recreation Majors Association and future student development through conference travel and professional development opportunities.

Info on the films can be found at https://nomanslandfilmfestival.org/full-tour/2025/3/4/no-mans-land-film-festival-athens-oh

Community members can purchase in advance for $10 at: https://recshop.ohio.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=623a9f77-94af-4626-b220-4c9a1fca531f

SPREAD THE WORD!!!

12/15/2024

12/12/2024

Dear OHIO PRLS Alumni:

As a valued graduate of the Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies Program at Ohio University, your experiences and accomplishments are incredibly important to us. To better understand the career paths and academic pursuits of our alumni, we are conducting a brief survey to collect insights into employment outcomes and graduate school acceptances. Your participation in this survey will help us:

1) Assess the career trajectories of our alumni.
2) Gain insights into the graduate programs our alumni pursue.
3) Improve our program by aligning curriculum and resources with industry and academic trends.

The survey should take no more than five minutes to complete, and your responses will remain confidential. Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences with us. Your feedback is invaluable in shaping the future of our program and supporting the next generation of students.

Please click on the following survey link to complete the survey:

10/22/2024

From the therapeutic recreation concentration of the Ohio University Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies program in the early 2000s, past faculty Dr. Hinton and Dr. Nisbett are continuing to make waves in the Recreational Therapy profession! Pictured here from left to right are American Therapeutic Recreation Association President-elect Dr. Nancy Nisbett (CSU, Fresno State), Past-President Dr. Jennifer Hinton (Western Carolina University), and incoming President Dr. Tameka Battle (CUNY, LaGuardia Community College, right). We are proud of our therapeutic recreation Bobcat alumni. Keep representing!

08/14/2024

I'm pleased to announce the publication of the 3rd edition of the book Outdoor Leadership: Theory and Practice. My co-authors and I are happy that the book continues to be of value, as each subsequent edition attests. Please take a look...

Outdoor Leadership, Third Edition, guides students to master eight core competencies essential to outdoor and adventure leadership. Learning activities and exercises will help students develop a professional portfolio and prepare to be successful leaders.