Mission, Vision, and Values

Mission

The Department of Sport Management & Recreational Therapy prepares recreation, park, and sport professionals to enhance health, wellness, and quality of life for individuals and communities. Through innovative teaching, meaningful research, and intentional community partnerships, the department advances recreation as a transformative force across diverse settings and populations. 

Vision

The Department of Sport Management & Recreational Therapy inspires and empowers individuals and communities to be healthy, active, inclusive, and engaged through recreation, sport, and parks as essential pathways to connection, equity, and lifelong well-being. 

Values

The Department of Sport Management & Recreational Therapy is guided by the following core values, which shape our teaching, scholarship, and service: 

• Recreation as a fundamental human need and shared right, essential to personal fulfillment and community vitality; 

• Health, wellness, and quality of life as central outcomes of recreation, sport, and leisure engagement; 

• Human growth and development, fostered through opportunities for self-expression, creativity, leadership, and self-determination; 

• Stewardship, protection, and equitable access to parks, open spaces, and natural resources; 

• Inclusive and welcoming communities that celebrate diversity and promote belonging through recreation and play.