PRTM faculty members inducted as Fellows of the Academy of Leisure Sciences

Two faculty members in the Clemson University Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management (PRTM) have been inducted as Fellows of the Academy of Leisure Sciences (TALS).

TALS is an international organization dedicated to advancing leisure studies through research, teaching and service – and Fellowships are awarded to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding performance and exemplary leadership in the leisure profession.

Among this year’s honorees were Robert Barcelona, PRTM professor and department chair, and Jeffrey Hallo, PRTM professor and graduate program coordinator.

“Drs. Barcelona and Hallo are exceptional leaders in the field of leisure sciences, and the scholarship they put forth continues to move the needle for people and communities across South Carolina and the nation,” said Leslie Hossfeld, dean of the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences. “It is outstanding to have their career contributions in research and teaching recognized nationally through this prestigious Fellowship.”

Barcelona’s research interests focus broadly on increasing access to sport and recreation programs and facilities and improving the quality of recreation experiences through partnerships, planning, creative financing, staff training and professional development.

He has secured grant funding from state and federal agencies including the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, United States Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), among others.

Additionally, Barcelona was recently inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA).

“It is an honor to represent our field as a Fellow of the Academy of Leisure Sciences and to be inducted alongside my colleague and friend, Dr. Hallo,” said Barcelona. “I am proud to work in a field that improves the quality of life of people worldwide, and I am grateful for the Academy’s dedication to the advancement of leisure sciences.”

Hallo’s research emphasizes understanding, planning and managing visitor use in parks, forests and other protected areas. He has been a featured expert in articles published by The Washington Post, National Geographic, Delta Sky Magazine and WalletHub and has had 16 research projects funded for over $1.7 million in external grants under his leadership.

“It is one of my greatest honors to be recognized by our professional academy – people who I consider to be leaders, innovators and legends in our field,” said Hallo. “This is a deeply meaningful recognition of not just my work but the career-long support of my colleagues and graduate students.”

At Clemson, Hallo’s influence extends beyond research. He has mentored numerous graduate students who have excelled as distinguished professionals in academia, social sciences, planning and park and recreation positions.

Barcelona and Hallo were two of seven TALS Fellows inducted this year.

The Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management is part of the University’s College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences (CBSHS). Established in July 2016, CBSHS is a 21st-century, land-grant college that combines work in seven 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.