History
Under the direction of Dean O. N. Hunter, The Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism evolved from one of three units that split from the College of Education in 1968 to form the College of Health. In that year, Dr. Linn Rockwood was hired from Wisconsin to head up the Recreation Division.
In 1972, Dr. Dale Cruse became head of the division which gained departmental status in 1984. The current name for the department was approved in 1995. Dr. Gary Ellis, who joined the faculty in 1985 and served many years as Director of Graduate Studies, was appointed Chair in 1996 and led the faculty until 2005. Dr. Joseph Arave served as Interim Chair in the 2005/2006 academic year. Dr. Daniel Dustin joined the faculty as Chair in 2006 and served until 2013. Dr. Kelly Bricker was appointed Chair in 2013, and continues to serve as Chair of the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, within the College of Health.
New in 2020!
The Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Recreation have become two new departments, now Health and Kinesiology, and Parks, Recreation, & Tourism. The return to Department for Parks, Recreation, and Tourism is a sign of strength and innovation—renewing and expanding our commitment to all aspects of health and well-being, from the individual to our global community and environment.
We continue to forge new relationships as a department, and we welcome returning to a department of over 50 years. We also have learned new collaborative opportunities and will continue to work with colleagues across the college and university. While we have always remained true to our disciplinary roots we look forward to growing new branches with this development.
Undergraduate Advising
Graduate Advising
Director of Graduate Studies
Jim Sibthorp, Ph.D.
Phone: 801-581-5940
Email: Jim.Sibthorp@health.utah.edu
Online ST&HM Program
Program Director
Director of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism
Dorothy L. Schmalz, Ph.D.
Phone: 801-581-8542
Email: d.schmalz@health.utah.edu
PRT Main Office
PRT MAIN OFFICE
250 South 1850 East
Room 239, HPER North
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
Phone: 801-581-8542
Campus Map