SRU recreational therapy program recognized by ATRA

Sept. 21, 2023

Slippery Rock University’s recreational therapy program received several honors at the American Therapeutic Recreation Association’s 2023 Conference, Sept. 9-12, in St. Louis. SRU earned the ATRA’s Excellence in Education Award, which recognizes an institution of higher education that has distinguished itself through outstanding contributions to the recreational therapy profession.

Faculty and students from SRU’s recreational therapy program have contributed to the profession and its body of knowledge through research and service-learning projects, 95 national and international conference presentations, more than 30 peer-reviewed journals articles, books, assessment, curriculum development and by serving on scientific boards.

Additionally, Betsy Kemeny, associate professor of recreational therapy, received the ATRA’s Scholarly Achievement Award, which recognizes an ATRA member who has contributed significantly to the field of knowledge of recreational therapy. SRU faculty and students also took home “Best Research Poster” for a research project titled, “Is Education Enough?: Seated Yoga and Fall Prevention by CTRSs.” The ATRA is the only national association for recreational therapists and it includes more than 10,000 members.