Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management

Historical State Timelines
Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management
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1940s

1947 Department of Industrial and Rural Recreation established

Department of Industrial and Rural Recreation was established in the School of Education.

1950s

1958 Department of Industrial and Rural Recreation renamed

The Department of Industrial and Rural Recreation was renamed the Department of Recreation and Park Administration.

1960s

1967 Thomas Wells graduated

Thomas R. Wells graduated with a bachelor's degree. He later became superintendent of the state park system in North Carolina.

1967 Department of Recreation and Park Administration transferred

The Department of Recreation and Park Administration was transferred from the School of Education to the School of Forest Resources.

1970s

1970 Recreation and Park Administration master's program created
1977 Department of Recreation and Park Administration accredited

The Department of Recreation and Park Administration was the first department of its kind in the United States to receive accreditation from the Council on Accreditation of the National Recreation and Park Association.

1980s

1985 First woman Faculty Senate chair appointed

Sondra L. Kirsch, Associate Professor of the Recreation Resources Administration, became the first woman chair of the NC State Faculty Senate.

1989 Department of Recreation and Park Administration renamed

The Department of Recreation and Park Administration was renamed the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management.

1990s

1998 Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management history published

The department published A 50 Year Salute: The Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management. More historical information was hosted on the departmental website.