The Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign works to understand and promote the development and sustainability of healthy communities and improve the quality of life and well-being of individuals, families and communities. We achieve this through excellent teaching, research and engagement in areas like parks, recreation, sport and tourism, enriching lives across society.
History
RST has a rich history, dating back to 1937 with the first undergraduate recreation course, Principles of Recreation. A formal undergraduate curriculum was established in 1948, leading to a Bachelor of Science degree. Graduate programs soon followed, with a Master of Science degree approved in 1953 and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in 1972.
Initially a program, recreation gained departmental status in 1957 as the Department of Recreation and Municipal Park Administration. Its name evolved over the years to reflect the changing field, becoming the Department of Recreation and Park Administration in 1967, the Department of Leisure Studies in 1975, and finally, the Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism in 2004.
Research Focus
RST faculty study how people use their free time and the impact of those choices on individuals, families, communities, and organizations.
Our team uses its expertise to improve leisure services, recognizing that recreation, sport, and tourism work together in a unique industry. We value play, the arts, and diversity. Through our research and community involvement, we promote healthy lifestyles, environmental protection, effective management and marketing, and community development.