Recreation Professional/Leisure Educator of the Year
The award program provides a means through which INSHAPE recognizes the work of an individual who exhibits outstanding and creative leadership in the recreation profession or as an innovative leisure educator at the college/university level.
Eligibility
Any recreation/leisure professional who meets the eligibility requirements and exemplifies the criteria below may be nominated for this award.
- Current membership in INSHAPE,
- Currently involved in recreation leadership pursuits, and
- Minimum of five years professional experience in recreation/leisure.
Award Criteria
The applicant must be an individual who:
- Exhibits outstanding and creative leadership in the recreation profession or as an innovative leisure educator at the college/university level,
- Delivers speeches, scholarly presentations, consultations, and/or demonstrations at workshops and/or conferences,
- Has made a significant contribution in the area of recreation/leisure in various areas such as publications and service on state committees, and
- Demonstrates a vitality of contemporary and future – centered leisure thought and theory.
Complete online application according to deadline on main Awards page.
Application requires one (1) letter of recommendation from applicant’s principal or colleague. The letter should be directly related to the award criteria.
Selection and Recognition Process
- The Awards Committee will select one award recipient from the pool of qualified applicants.
- Applicants will be notified by early Fall.
- The award will be presented at the State Conference in November.
- Award recipient is expected to present a session at the State Conference the following year.
Previous Award Recipients
2024 Ali Beam
2023 Ali Beam
2021 Jason Meier
2020 Sheli Plummer
2019 Chad Simmons
2018 Jordan McIntire
2017 Thomas Means
2015 Tom Mulry
2007 Connie Updike
2006 Seemann Baugh
2005 Anne Graves
2004 Erinn McCluney
2003 J. Matt Rota-Autry