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Two Delta State Presentations at Mississippi Recreation and Parks Annual Conference

Dr. Todd Davis, assistant professor in the Division of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER) at Delta State University, and director of the College of Education and Human Sciences’ Outdoor Recreation Education Program, delivered two professional presentations at the Mississippi Recreation and Parks annual conference held in Oxford, Mississippi, Oct. 15-17.

“The State of Outdoor Recreation in Mississippi: Problems, Possibilities, and Programs”—partnered with Britnee Smith, instructor in HPER and coordinator of the physical education teacher prep program; and Katie Gennarelli, graduate assistant for outdoor programs—focused on challenges and opportunities for the state of Mississippi. Davis also shared Delta State’s Outdoor Recreation Program model. Smith and Gennarelli discussed their ongoing research project regarding gender-centric and gender socialization issues in outdoor recreation as well as highlighted paddling, hiking, and biking (trail & road) in Mississippi.

“Research in Recreation: A Virtual Research Poster Symposium” included several Delta State student research projects conducted in PER 435 Recreation Seminar, a research-based course in the recreation administration program. The presentation utilized an online presentation forum called Prezi.com and allowed students to virtually explore their research posters for 5-7 minutes each:

  • Dylan Sims, a senior recreation administration major, presented, “Lack of Outdoor Recreation Programs for Children with Disabilities in Mississippi.”
  • Merritt Burgin, a senior recreation administration major, presented, “Diversity within the National Park System.”
  • Gennarelli, a graduate student in the sports management concentration in HPER, presented, “Gender Equality in the Outdoor Adventure and Recreation Industry.”