Preparing Our Educators

Connecting students and professionals at the 5th Recreation Conference

James Farmer, assistant professor at Marshall University, presented the keynote address, "From Parks to Programming, Our Role in the Greening of America."

ATHENS, Ohio (May 3, 2011) – The Patton College’s departments of Recreation & Sports Science and Campus Recreation hosted the fifth consecutive recreation conference at Ohio University on Thursday, April 21, 2011. Sessions ranged from youth, international, outdoor, community, academic and political recreation, with speakers in various fields such as recreation facilities management, environmental studies and teaching recreation. Overall, the conference’s speakers and topics embodied the theme of this year’s conference, “Bridging the Gap Between Professionals and Students."

James Farmer, assistant professor of the Human Dimensions of Natural Resources and chair for the Natural Resources and Recreation Management Program at Marshall University in Huntington, W. Va., gave the keynote address titled, “From Parks to Programming, Our Role in the Greening of America.” Farmer teaches courses in natural history and terrestrial ecology, ecosystem management, environmental education, environmental studies and research methods.

For his presentation, Farmer discussed four main topics: 1) the environment, 2) environmental issues, 3) health issues and 4) the recreation and greening of America. Problems in overharvesting, acid mine drainage, obesity, asthma, food security and health defects are just a few of the many problems that affect not only the central Appalachia community but also the rest of the country. Farmer proposes options to help the environment that are available in recreation such as lawn care equipment that uses diesel and bio diesel fuel.

“Humans are very much a part of the environment,” Farmer said. “Everything we do has an impact.”

Graduate Assistants (GAs) are also trying to make the best of their impact while at Ohio University. Another session featured three GAs who provided insight and advice to perspective GAs. Mary Pittman, studying intramural sports, Bill Singleton in recreation facilities and Joe Crowley in outdoor recreation each shared their experiences as GAs.

“The biggest thing is researching the programs you want to get into,” Singleton said. “At OU, they do a good job in giving you the opportunity to learn in practical experiences as well as in theories.”

The Patton College’s Sports Administration and Facility Management program in the School of Recreation and Sport Sciences was established in 1966 as the first graduate program of its kind and is widely recognized as the best in the nation.

Since 2007, when the first OU Recreation Conference was organized through the inspiration of a group of Recreation Studies graduate students, the sessions have increased the education and connection of students, faculty and professionals.

Story by Nicole Bersani; photos by Mark Brunton