Clemson professor makes history, becomes first African American woman inducted as a Fellow of the Academy of Leisure Sciences 

A professor in the Clemson University College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences is making history as the first African American woman to be inducted as a Fellow of the Academy of Leisure Sciences (TALS).

Corliss Outley, professor in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management and director of the Race, Ethnicity, Youth and Social Equity Collaboratory (REYSE), is the first African American woman in TALS’ 43-year history to be named a Fellow of the Academy.

TALS is an international organization dedicated to advancing leisure studies through research, education and advocacy. The Academy represents several disciplines, including recreation, tourism, hospitality, sports and outdoor education – and Fellowships are distinguished honors that highlight outstanding performers and recognized leaders in the leisure profession. 

“It is an honor to be recognized as a Fellow of the Academy of Leisure Sciences,” said Outley. “To represent our field and the Academy in this way is truly a privilege and highlight of my career.”

As a professor of parks, recreation and tourism management at Clemson, Outley teaches and mentors students in areas such as youth development, cultural practices, recreation and leisure studies. She is committed to improving the environment for marginalized youth through community engagement and leadership development.  

“Dr. Outley is a highly respected colleague, scholar and leader in the field of leisure sciences,” said Leslie Hossfeld, dean of the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences. “Her career contributions to research and teaching – and the positive impact she has made on individuals and communities in South Carolina – are exceptional. It is outstanding that she is being recognized nationally for this prestigious Fellowship.” 

As director of the REYSE Collaboratory, she works alongside communities to learn their strengths and weaknesses and helps underrepresented citizens become fully represented, active participants in social, environmental, economic and educational institutions. Her research investigates the negative impact the sociopolitical system has on Black youth and the structural influence on human behavior as well as the unique challenges faced by Black youths in recreational settings.

Outley earned a Ph.D. in recreation and natural resources management from Texas A&M University and joined Clemson University in 2020.  

The Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management is part of the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences, a 21st-century land-grant college joining together a unique combination of schools and departments: Communication, Nursing, Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, Political Science, Psychology, Public Health Sciences and Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice. These areas have distinctive characteristics and missions – all joined together by a common thread of service to people and communities.