Jeffrey Hallo appointed interim chair of Clemson parks, recreation and tourism management department

Jeffrey Hallo, Ph.D., has been appointed interim chair for the Clemson parks, recreation and tourism management department effective March 1. Hallo will assume the role previously held by Wayne Freimund, who is leaving the position at the end of March.

Leslie Hossfeld, dean of the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences that houses the department, said she is pleased to have Hallo lead the department during the search for a new permanent chair.

“Dr. Hallo is a natural choice, given his leadership experience, prolific research endeavors and excellent reputation as both a scholar and a colleague,” Hossfeld said. “I’m confident that the department is in capable hands during this transition.”

Hallo, a professor who also serves as the department’s honors director and graduate coordinator, began his Clemson University career in 2007. His research and teaching focus on understanding, planning for and managing visitor use in parks, forests and other protected areas. He has co-authored more than 65 peer-reviewed scientific journal articles, books and book chapters over the course of his career, and has been an interviewed expert for news articles appearing in The Washington Post, National Geographic, Delta Sky Magazine and WalletHub.

“I welcome the opportunity to lead the department over the coming months, and I am honored to serve in this capacity,” Hallo said. “Although we’re in a period of transition, we have a team of outstanding faculty and staff with a solid strategic focus to guide us through the next year. I’m looking forward to keeping our momentum moving in a positive direction.”

Hallo earned his Ph.D. with an emphasis in natural resources from the University of Vermont. He has a master’s degree in technical (project) management from John Hopkins University and a bachelor’s in wildlife/fisheries biology and chemistry from Frostburg State University.

The parks, recreation and tourism management department is one of the largest and most well-recognized programs of its type in the nation. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in community recreation, sport and camp management, park and conservation area management, PGA golf management, public administration, recreational therapy, travel and tourism, and youth development leadership.

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