Department of Recreation Administration
In The News
Spotlight on the "Coolest Classes on Campus" - RA 154
Recreation Administration, Sports and Entertainment Facility Operations
“I didn’t realize I could be a leader until I took this class. I finally found something that I am passionate about. It wasn’t until I actually found this major that I can find happiness in a career that I want to do. There’s something appealing to me in putting on an event, setting up, seeing it go and then tearing it back down and then having a blank canvas. It just calls to me.”
– Joshua Salvador, Recreation Administration student
Joshua Salvador
Rick Nafe Award for Excellence in Stadium Management: Student Service Recognition
Stadium Managers Association
The Department of Recreation Administration extends its congratulations to Joshua Salvador on receiving the prestigious Rick Nafe Award for Excellence in Stadium Management: Student Service Recognition from the Stadium Managers Association (SMA).
This annual recognition, presented as part of the Rick Nafe Award for Excellence in Stadium Management, honors a student intern who exemplifies outstanding service to the SMA during its Annual Seminar. Joshua's selection this year highlights his exceptional initiative, unwavering work ethic, and deep commitment to professional development in the field of stadium and venue management.
During the Seminar in New Orleans, Joshua demonstrated remarkable qualities that set him apart. He willingly stepped beyond his comfort zone to forge meaningful professional connections, posed insightful and thoughtful questions, and applied newly acquired knowledge immediately and effectively in practical settings. His proactive attitude shone through in his constant readiness to contribute wherever needed, frequently asking, “What’s next?”—a testament to his eagerness to learn, serve, and grow.
As a student in our Sports and Entertainment Facility Management (SEFM) option within the Recreation Administration program, Joshua has embodied several of the core values we hold as a department, particularly leadership development and enhancement of professionalism, along with an engaged approach to learning and application of skills that prepare him as a professional. His outstanding performance reflects positively on his own abilities and brings pride to our department, faculty, and the broader Fresno State community.
We are confident that this well-deserved recognition marks the beginning of a distinguished career for Joshua in stadium and venue management. His drive for continuous improvement, combined with his natural leadership tendencies, will position him to make significant contributions to the industry and inspire future professionals.
CHHS Service Hero - Recreation Administration
Isac Hermosilla
Department of Recreation Administration
As the lead park ranger for the Pine Flat Dam and Lake with the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, Isac is responsible for protecting and managing public lands through education,
community connections and conservation. Each year, he provides internship opportunities
at the lake for recreation administration students, offering them irreplaceable hands-on
experiences to better prepare them for careers in public land management.
Dr. Taylor Concludes Service on NRPA's Youth Workforce Committee
This past summer, Dr. Brandon Taylor concluded his year-long service on the National Recreation and Park Association's (NRPA) Youth Workforce Development Framework Committee.
The committee was established to develop a national framework for youth workforce programs in parks and recreation—programs that not only offer employment opportunities but also provide mentorship, life skills, and pathways to long-term careers. Dr. Taylor's voice on the committee reflected both his academic perspective and his deep commitment to serving young people in the Central Valley.
While the committee's assignment wrapped up in summer 2025, the framework it produced will continue to shape youth workforce programs nationwide. Dr. Taylor's contributions ensured that the lived experiences of youth throughout the valley were included, emphasizing the role of recreation as a platform for equity.
For more information about NRPA's Youth Workforce Development Framework, visit www.nrpa.org/publications-research/best-practice-resources/youth-workforce-development-framework
College of Health and Human Services - 2024 Hero (Recreation Administration)
Becky Whited (1981), Former director, Parks and Recreation for the City of Sanger (retired) (Learn more about Becky Whited)
Flat Flip Flies Straight
Fresno State Alumnus Builds Career On Disc Golf
Ask George Sappenfield to talk about the evolution of the Frisbee and he’ll talk about pie tins. That’s right: pie tins, the original Frisbees, before the Frisbee was actually a thing. Seems the delivery drivers from Mother Frisbie’s (with an “i”) Pie Company in Bridgeport, Connecticut, used to pass the time between stops by flipping pie tins to one another, Frisbee style. (Learn more about George Sappenfield)
Recreatino Administration and Fresno Unified Kids Camps Collaboration
The Department of Recreation Administration at Fresno State is partnering with Fresno Unified School District and Adventure Education Solutions to host a series of winter day camps for over 600 Fresno Unified School District students, Dec. 18 – 21, 2023 and Jan. 2 – 5, 2024.
The interactive and educational camps will provide students of all age groups with impactful learning opportunities with a focus on skill-building. Activities include rock climbing, LEGO brick building, craft activities, and cooking, as well as ski and snowboard camps. The variety of activities (Learn more about winter day camps)
RA Alumna Daniela Gonzalez Making Her Mark
Recreation Administration alumni Daniela Gonzalez and her amazing staff planning and hosting events for Fresno youth at the Ted C. Willis Center. (Learn more about events for Fresno youth at Ted C. Willis Center)
Recreation Administration Servant Leaders
Service-learning is a unique experience that combines academic coursework with meaningful service activities and critical reflection on that service.
Video courtesy of the Richter Center.
Ryan Soares setting records
Shout out to Ryan Soares for the record of the fastest known time in the mountain community for skiing across the Sierra High Route in 17 hours, 18 minutes, which beat is his previous record of 19 hours, 50 minutes. You can find the article at https://fresnostatechhs.com/2023/06/08/ryan-soares-breaking-records/.
Dr. Nancy Nisbett - new achievements
Congratulations go out to one of the department's faculty members, Dr. Nancy Nisbett! She was recently inducted into the National Academy of Recreational Therapists and recognized as a Distinguished Fellow in Recreational Therapy. In addition, she was elected president of the Board of Directors for the American Therapeutic Recreation Association and begins her three-year term in October.
Derek Carr - RA Alumni
NFL quarterback Derek Carr has a message for aspiring college students about the power of a Fresno State education: “We know our potential is limitless, because we’ve seen what Bulldogs can do.” Click the photo above to read the full article.
2022 CHHS Hero - Steve Aoki
Steve Aoki is the Director of Event Services for Save Mart Center at Fresno State. Read the story.
2023 CHHS Outstanding Alumni - Cheryl Vines
Cheryl graduated from the Recreation Administration program in 1976 with a degree in Therapeutic Recreation and began her career working as a recreation therapist at Fresno Community Hospital and Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. (Learn more about Cheryl Vines)
Big Fresno Fair Winners - Sigma Alpha Zeta
Huge congrats to Fresno State’s multicultural sorority, Sigma Alpha Zeta, and their advisor, Karen Markland, for taking home First Place and Best of Show at the Fresno Fair!
Their entry of a decorated tree, was dedicated to raising awareness about domestic violence. Through heartfelt ornaments filled with educational stats and messages of hope, they’ve spread an important message to our community.
Sigma Alpha Zeta’s passion for making a difference truly shines. We’re so proud of their commitment to awareness and advocacy!