Dr. Mary Parr

I received my Bachelor's degree in Recreation Education from the University of Iowa in 1984, my M.S. in Recreation and Park Administration from Western Illinois University in 1988, and my PhD in Leisure Studies from the University of Illinois in 1992. Prior to returning to graduate school I worked in Employee Services for a manufacturing company in Rockford, IL. I was responsible for coordinating employee sports leagues, company events, physical activity and health and wellness programs, etc. Upon completion of my doctorate, I joined the faculty of Kent State University. I teach courses in the areas of social psychological dimensions of leisure, cultural dimensions of contemporary leisure practices, and our Foundations of Recreation and Leisure course. I also teach a graduate course that examines the philosophical and social bases of leisure and sport. My research interests include understanding the meaning of leisure and it's relation to professional practice and professional preparation of students, and leisure's role in the development of community.