Department News

Cannabis Use Depends on Motivation

Researcher Carla Santos and doctoral student explored motivations for cannabis use at home and abroad. Additionally, they studied whether experimenting while away leads to continuing drug use at home. See cannabis study details.

Shannon Smith–Model Citizen, Excellent Student

Shannon Smith is the first RST Student of the Month selected by Sport Tourism and Recreation (STAR), the undergraduate student club. Shannon is actively involved in the Champaign-Urbana community, the University of Illinois, and the Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism. She has served as the Volunteer Coordinator and Advertising Chair for the Vis-A-Vis Club, the president of STAR, and board member for the University YMCA. As Special Projects Assistant for the Urbana Park District, Shannon spearheaded planning and executing the 100th Anniversary Chautauqua Celebration. In May 2008, Shannon will serve as the sponsorship and ticketing Intern for SunFest music festival in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Shannon takes advantage of professional opportunities and has attended conferences with other RST students through STAR including:

• the Illinois Parks and Recreation Association (IPRA) conference
• the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) conference
• the Illinois Special Events Network (ISEN) conference.

When asked who inspires her most, Shannon responded, "My father—He always manages to stay active in the field, even though he is retired. He looks out for the best interest of whomever he's working with—students, the community, the University. My dad believes in everything I do and continuously tells me how proud he is of me, which motivates me to continue to do well and push myself. He has shaped my interest in travel, the outdoors and even music taste since day one. I have no idea where I would be without his active role in my life."

Her advice to all other RST students is to "figure out your priorities and to never take anything too seriously, because you may become stressed!"

Shannon is scheduled to graduate in May 2008 and would like to work for a music or city festival. She is also interested in creating "green" events to improve the environment. Congratulations to Shannon and best of luck. See Shannon show off her Illini pride.

Awards and Accolades

Lecturer Ryan Gower was selected as this year’s recipient of both campus and college Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching. The annual awards ceremony was held in May at the Alice Campbell Alumni Center.

Professor Laura Payne received the Emerging Professional Graduate Award from Penn State Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management in March 2007.

Graduation Celebration

Hugely successful, the first annual Graduation Reception was held on May 12 following commencement. Approximately 200 attendees included students, faculty, staff, parents, family, friends.

Socializers Benefit Professionally

Leisure activities with co-workers often lead to on-the-job-success, especially among minorities, concluded Professor Monika Stodolska in a recent article in Journal of Leisure Research. Read about the study.

Dr. William Stewart Receives Awards

Dr. William Stewart, Professor in the Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism received the 2006 King James McCristal Distinguished Scholar Award. Established in 1988 in honor of a former AHS Dean. The King James McCristal Distinguished Scholar Award recognizes faculty excellence. Dean Tanya Gallagher presented a plaque and monetary award on August 22, 2006. Dr. Stewart followed with a lecture entitled “Community Well-Being Through Park Development,” reflecting on the role heritage plays in park development.

Additionally, for his outstanding contributions to knowledge about leisure and recreation, Professor Stewart was also inducted into The Academy of Leisure Sciences in 2005. He conducts research associated with park and natural resources development and teaches courses in the university-wide environment program. He has been involved with research projects that assess information from park users, community residents, and various other stakeholders.

Shinew Receives Editorial Appointment

Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism Associate Professor Kimberly Shinew has been appointed as the new editor for the Journal of Leisure Research for three years, beginning January 1, 2007. Kim will be responsible for receiving, reviewing and selecting manuscripts for publication and supervising the work of the associate editors. Additionally, she will organize and conduct the annual meeting of the associate editors held during the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Congress, select new editors, maintain close communication with the designated NRPA liaison, and prepare annual reports for the NRPA Research Committee.

Professor Shinew received her Ph.D. in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management from Clemson University, South Carolina in 1993. Her primary research area focuses on the leisure behavior of racial and ethnic minorities. Her secondary research area examines issues affecting the leisure behavior of women, including the obstacles they face to develop satisfying leisure lifestyles.