Clemson PRTM faculty member honored for career contributions to field of recreational therapy

Brandi Crowe, associate professor in the Clemson University Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management (PRTM), was recently inducted as a Fellow of the National Academy of Recreational Therapists (NART) in recognition of her extensive experience in clinical practice and higher education and demonstrated commitment to advancing the field through research, teaching and service.

Crowe joins a distinguished group of practitioners and scholars who have advanced the recreational therapy profession and ensured its relevance in diverse health care and community settings. Her research explores complementary and integrative health approaches to support individuals with chronic conditions, focusing on symptom management, prevention of secondary conditions and improving quality of life through leisure and community engagement.

“It is an incredible honor to join the National Academy of Recreational Therapists as a Fellow,” said Crowe. “I am passionate about our field – the work we do and the clients we serve – and it is a highlight of my career to be recognized by my peers who share the same passion.” 

In addition to her role as associate professor, Crowe currently serves as program coordinator for the PRTM department’s recreational therapy program – one of 14 undergraduate programs in the United States and Canada accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Recreational Therapy Education.

Since joining PRTM in 2017, she has served on 10 dissertation committees – four as committee chair. These doctoral graduates are now contributing to the advancement of the field as recreational therapists in practice or higher education.

“Induction as a NART Fellow is one of the highest honors a faculty member can receive in this field. I cannot think of a person more deserving of this honor than Dr. Crowe. Her dedication and leadership in the recreational therapy profession, specifically – and parks, recreation and tourism management field, more broadly – is impressive, and I am grateful she is with us here at Clemson,” said Bob Barcelona, PRTM department chair.

Crowe has authored or co-authored more than 40 peer-reviewed publications, including articles in Therapeutic Recreation Journal, Aging and Mental Health, and Disability and Rehabilitation. Her work continues to bridge the gap between research and practice and advance the evidence base for recreational therapy interventions.

The Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management is a part of the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences. Established in July 2016, CBSHS is a 21st-century, land-grant college that combines work in nine disciplines – communication; nursing; parks, recreation and tourism management; political science; psychology; public health sciences; sociology, anthropology and criminal justice – to further its mission of “building people and communities” in South Carolina and beyond.