In The News

“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

College of Health and Human Services - Top Dog 2024

Carol E. Scott  (1973, ’76), owner, Carol Scott Consulting. Scott is a prominent leader in the children's museum profession. Scott has been instrumental in the development of several museums and nonprofit groups across the country, including the Children’s Museum of the Upstate South Carolina and most recently the Modesto Children's Museum. (Learn about more Carol E. Scott)

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!