Job Summary/Basic Functions

The Department of Parks, Recreation, Exercise and Sport Science (PRESS) in the College of Health Sciences at Eastern Kentucky University invites applications for a Recreation Therapy three-year visiting faculty position beginning August 2025. The successful applicant should hold a doctorate in parks, recreation, leisure, or related field from an accredited institution at the time of appointment. ABD applicants may be considered but must have a doctorate (verified by official transcripts) at the time of appointment. At least one advanced degree in recreation and parks/leisure studies is required. Additionally, applicants must hold a current Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) certification.

The position serves the Recreation Therapy program. The successful candidate will teach courses in a 4/4 annual teaching load and participate in service to the department, university, and community.

Recreation and Park Administration (RPA) program has a 59-year history, and was one of the first 25 programs accredited by the NRPA Council on Accreditation. The RPA undergraduate program currently has four concentration areas: Recreation Therapy, Tourism and Resort Recreation, Natural Resources Recreation Management, and Recreation Management and Event Planning. The Department also maintains a Master of Science Degree program.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: An earned doctorate in parks, recreation, leisure, or related field from an accredited institution at the time of appointment. ABD applicants may be considered, but must have a doctorate (verified by official transcripts) at the time of appointment. At least one advanced degree in recreation and parks/leisure studies is required.

Experience: Employed as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)

Licensure & Certifications: Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)

Preferred Qualifications:

• A minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in recreation therapy;
• Evidence of potential ability in academic assignment and/or professional contributions and activities;
• Knowledge of marketing and student recruitment activities including social media.

Job Duties:

• Duties include: • Maintain a 4/4 teaching load; • Utilize effective teaching methods, innovative teaching techniques, and teaching modalities, and multiple evaluation and assessment procedures as a means to help meet the needs of EKU students; • Demonstrate the ability to teach, develop, and implement courses related to recreation therapy and other Core REC courses; • Maintain CTRS certification; • Student advising; • Serve on departmental, college, and university committees; • Demonstrate the willingness and ability to work effectively with colleagues to support the mission of EKU, its academic units, and its campus community; • Service learning and regional stewardship activities are expected.