Tuesday, November 15, 2005

Wilmington, N.C. - The University of North Carolina Wilmington Parks and Recreation Management Program has been granted continuing accreditation by the National Recreation and Park Association/American Association of Leisure and Recreation. This places it on an “elite list” of universities nationwide.

Terry Kinney, UNCW professor and chairperson in Department of Health & Applied Human Sciences says, “UNCW is one of 97 schools accredited by the NRPA/AALR and is recognized by the Council of Higher Education Accreditation. UNCW is one of an elite list of nationally accredited schools.”

Accreditation is a status granted to an institution or a program that meets or exceeds stated criteria of educational quality. NRPA/AALR approves programs in colleges and universities that prepare new professionals to enter the field of parks, recreation and leisure services. The association ensures that undergraduate students meet undergraduate competencies designed to deliver entry-level services to citizens and clients. Accredited programs are reviewed every five years to determine whether or not continuing accreditation is merited.

Other accredited universities include Florida State, University of Florida, University of Georgia, Indiana University, Michigan State, Temple University, and Clemson. North Carolina accredited schools include Appalachian State, East Carolina, NC State, UNC Chapel Hill, and UNC Greensboro.

The Parks and Recreation Management Program was established by UNCW in 1971 under the direction of David Miller, physical education department chair at that time. The program received degree-granting status in 1979 and was accredited by NRPA/AALR in October 1983. It employs six full-time faculty members, grants two B.A. degrees, parks and recreation management and therapeutic recreation and a concentration in tourism and commercial recreation. The program graduates approximately 50 majors each year.

###