What are the opening hours?

Monday 8am - 5pm Tuesday 8am - 5pm Wednesday 8am - 5pm Thursday 8am - 5pm Friday 8am - 5pm

Penn State Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management

Home
United States
University Park, PA
Penn State Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management

We strive to positively impact health and wellness through recreation, park, tourism, and leisure op

The Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management is made up of educators, researchers, staff and students who focus on global issues associated with the contribution of leisure to human development, health and wellness as well as the impact of recreation and tourism on ecological, economic and cultural systems. We value intellectual curiosity leading to discovery, integrity, honesty, exc

ellence, community, and collegiality. Our mission is to transform human health and well-being through recreation, park, tourism, and leisure opportunities.

09/03/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Derrick Taff on his promotion to professor! 👏

Derrick is The Suzie and Allen Martin Professor of RPTM and the Assistant Dean for Research and Graduate Education for Penn State College of Health and Human Development.

Derrick’s research strives to improve understanding of communication strategies aimed at influencing human and environmental health regarding protected areas. In this vein, he also serves as a Science Advisor for Leave No Trace.

Congratulations, Derrick!

Penn State RPTM | Recreation Is |

09/02/2026

As extreme weather events become more frequent, tracking and ensuring visitor safety in national parks is a growing challenge—especially for those in backcountry areas, like that of the recent Grand Canyon flood.

Discover how our researchers are working to improve visitor safety in national parks as extreme weather events become more frequent ⤵️

https://www.psu.edu/news/research/story/qa-can-us-parks-promote-safety-recreation-and-environmental-protection?utm_account=Penn+State+Recreation%2C+Park%2C+and+Tourism+Management&utm_campaign=&utm_content=1788381902&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook

08/25/2026

Congratulations to Kathleen Raupach for her promotion to Associate Teaching Professor! 👏

Kathleen is both a 1990 (B.S.) and 2000 (M.S.) graduate of our RPTM program. She enjoys teaching students how to enhance the quality of life of those we serve through community events and inclusive programming.

And over the summer, Kathleen moved offices. You can now find her in 704K Ford. Stop by and congratulate her!

Penn State RPTM | Recreation Is |

08/24/2026

Happy first day of class, RPTM!

Last Wednesday, our faculty and staff met for a retreat at Millbrook Marsh Nature Center to gear up for another academic year. We're excited for a great year ahead.

(We missed a handful of people for our group photo. We'll get 'em all next year.)

Penn State RPTM | Recreation Is |

08/20/2026

Congratulations to our PGM and RPTM alumni groups for winning the Penn State Alumni Association Joint Activity Award for their role in the collaborative “Alumni in the Classroom” initiative! 👏

AITC connects alumni and students through networking, mentoring, and professional development.

This year, RPTM's AITC is October 28-30. That Wednesday and Thursday, alumni will be in classrooms sharing experiences and answering questions. Friday will be the annual Alumni-Student Networking Lunch (11am - 1pm). Want to join us? Message us, and we will get you connected!

Penn State RPTM | Penn State PGM | Recreation Is | Golf |

08/19/2026

Congratulations to all our August 2026 graduates! 🎓

This past weekend, Penn State awarded its 1 millionth degree. ‼️

Penn State RPTM | Recreation Is |

08/14/2026

Congratulations to Carter Hunt on his promotion to professor! 👏

Carter is a professor of RPTM, Anthropology, and Latin American Studies. He is also the director of dual-title Transdisciplinary Research on Environment and Society (TREES) and the director of intercollegiate minor in sustainability leadership (SUSLD).

Later this semester, Carter will be leading a trip to the Galápagos Islands through the Penn State Alumni Association. We can’t wait to see the photos he takes and hear the stories he comes back with.

Congratulations, Carter!

Penn State RPTM | Recreation Is |

08/12/2026

Please help us welcome Keleigh Asbury ('96)--RPTM's Internship Coordinator!

As part of her job, Keleigh will assist RPTM students in finding internships and teach core classes. She is most excited to bring her expertise in career coaching for business professionals to the RPTM student internship experience.

Keleigh's professional interests include workforce and professional development, business strategy and entrepreneurship, and inclusive teaching practices. Her personal interests are snowboarding, driving electric vehicles, and sustainable art-inspired living.

Welcome, Keleigh! We are so glad you're back.

Penn State RPTM | Recreation Is |

07/30/2026

Happy National Intern Day to our hundreds of students completing internships this summer!

In 2025, was ranked the Top 3 Best Public School for Internships by “Princeton Review”. So, where are our RPTM students interning this summer and fall?

🟦 All 4 Corners of the U.S.
✈️ International: China & UK
🏈 Sports: Baseball, Boxing, Football, Golf, Soccer, Softball, College Athletics, Sports Clubs
🏞️ City & Municipal Parks: KY, MD, NY, PA
🏘️ Community Orgs: NV & PA
🏟️ Events Management: OH & PA
🌲 Conservancy: NJ & PA
💆‍♀️ Resorts & Entertainment
🚣‍♀️ Outdoor Recreation
🎵 Music Production
And a lot more… like, a lot.

How do students land these internships? The main ways:
1️⃣ Alumni Connections and Networking
2️⃣ RPTM Internship Coordinators & Academic Advisers
3️⃣ On-Site Internship Recruiting

The sky’s the limit with Penn State RPTM! 🚀

07/24/2026

Please help us congratulate Jen Emigh (RPTM ’01) for her promotion to Associate Teaching Professor! 👏

On top of her new title, Jen also serves as RPTM Undergraduate Professor-In-Charge, RPTM Athletics Liaison, and Faculty Partner for Penn State Wrestling. She also formerly served as the Director of AURORA Outdoor Orientation Programs.

Congratulations, Jen! 🎉

Penn State RPTM | Recreation Is |

Address

801 Ford Building
University Park, PA
16802

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm

Telephone

+18148651851

Website

https://www.hhd.psu.edu/rptm

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Penn State Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The School

Send a message to Penn State Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management:

Want your school to be the top-listed School/college in University Park?