Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism at Illinois

Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism at Illinois Welcome to the official page for the Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism in the College of Applied Health Sciences!

https://linktr.ee/rstillinois

A summer well spent. So proud of our RST students and all that they have accomplished in their summers! 👏
09/02/2026

A summer well spent. So proud of our RST students and all that they have accomplished in their summers! 👏

What a great way to kick-off the fall semester! Thank you to everyone who joined us for the RST Fall Social! We had such...
08/28/2026

What a great way to kick-off the fall semester! Thank you to everyone who joined us for the RST Fall Social! We had such a great time welcoming new and returning students, as well as connecting with prospective students! Can’t wait to continue making memories, like the ones made earlier throughout the semester!💙🧡

Raise your hand if you are excited for the first week of classes!🙋‍♀️A look inside the classroom with our largest freshm...
08/25/2026

Raise your hand if you are excited for the first week of classes!🙋‍♀️

A look inside the classroom with our largest freshman cohort in recent years! These future RST leaders are learning, connecting, and beginning their adventure in RST! 💙🧡

Kick off the semester by connecting with fellow RST students, faculty, and staff at the RST COLLAB Fall Social on campus...
08/24/2026

Kick off the semester by connecting with fellow RST students, faculty, and staff at the RST COLLAB Fall Social on campus!

Whether you're new to the department or returning for another year, this is a great opportunity to meet classmates, learn more about the RST major, and discover ways to get involved. If you're exploring RST as a potential major, we'd love to meet you too!

📅 Thursday, August 27
⏰ 4:00–6:00 PM
📍 East Terrace, Siebel Center for Design

Come enjoy games, snacks, music, and great conversation as we kick off another exciting semester together. We can't wait to see you there!

RST is proud to recognize alum, as the recipient of the 2026 American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (...
08/17/2026

RST is proud to recognize alum, as the recipient of the 2026 American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA) Best Paper (Dissertation) Award for his dissertation, The Effectiveness of Marketing and Pricing Strategies in Park and Recreation to Increase Participation of Low-Income Racial and Ethnic Communities.

Reflecting on the recognition, Juan shared:

“I am truly honored to receive the 2026 AAPRA Best Paper (Dissertation) Award and proud to represent the University of Illinois and the RST Department through this recognition. I am incredibly grateful to the RST Department for all of the support I received throughout my doctoral journey, especially from my advisor, Dr. Monika Stodolska, and my dissertation committee. Completing a dissertation takes an incredible amount of work, and having their guidance and support throughout the process made this accomplishment possible. My experience challenged me to think critically about real-world issues facing parks and recreation and helped shape the direction of my career. I hope to continue bringing research and practice together to make a meaningful difference in our profession and the communities we serve.”

Juan’s research examines how park and recreation agencies use marketing, pricing, community outreach, and culturally responsive strategies to increase participation and improve access among diverse communities. His work provides practical insights for strengthening inclusivity and advancing equitable access to parks and recreation.

RST Internship Spotlight: Michael Evans & Maddie Mayer and are senior RST students spending their summer gaining inval...
08/11/2026

RST Internship Spotlight: Michael Evans & Maddie Mayer

and are senior RST students spending their summer gaining invaluable experience with the Detroit Lions during NFL Training Camp. Building on their experience with Illinois Football, both are expanding their professional skillsets while working in one of the most competitive environments in sports.

🏈 Maddie serves as an Equipment Intern, supporting daily practice operations, preparing equipment for players and coaches, and assisting on game days as a sideline ball person.

🎥 Michael is a Football Video Intern, capturing practices and games while producing film used by coaches, players, and scouts to evaluate performance and prepare game plans.

Their internships provide firsthand exposure to the operations behind an NFL organization while reinforcing the classroom knowledge and practical experience gained through the RST program. Pictured with fellow Illini and current Lions - Luke Altmyer and Melvin Priestly.

Take your education abroad in Spring 2027 through RST's immersive international travel experiences.Discover London immer...
08/10/2026

Take your education abroad in Spring 2027 through RST's immersive international travel experiences.

Discover London immerses students in one of the world's leading tourism cities through its history, culture, sport, museums, and iconic attractions. Along the way, students gain firsthand insight into the industries and organizations that shape global tourism and visitor experiences.

RST in Croatia allows students to experience one of Europe's most captivating tourism destinations while exploring cultural heritage, sustainable tourism, destination management, and the communities that make Croatia a global travel destination.

These faculty-led experiences connect classroom learning with real-world exploration, helping students develop a global perspective, build professional skills, and discover the many career opportunities within recreation, sport, and tourism.

Where will your RST experience take you?

One week left to apply for Fall 2026 admission!From parks and recreation agencies to collegiate athletics, professional ...
08/07/2026

One week left to apply for Fall 2026 admission!

From parks and recreation agencies to collegiate athletics, professional sports, and destination management organizations, today's professionals need advanced leadership, communication, and strategic decision-making skills.
The University of Illinois Online M.S. and Professional Certificate programs in RST help students develop those skills while continuing to work and gain professional experience.

Beyond the virtual classroom, students can also participate in a professional mentorship program, connect with industry leaders through career development webinars, and learn alongside professionals from across the country.

Apply by August 12. Start coursework on August 24 or October 19
Learn more and apply: https://choose.illinois.edu/apply/

Some of the most valuable lessons happen through experience. That's why RST offers courses that immerse students in the ...
08/07/2026

Some of the most valuable lessons happen through experience. That's why RST offers courses that immerse students in the recreation, sport, and tourism industry through hands-on learning and faculty-led travel.

This fall, students can kick off the semester with an overnight experience in St. Louis, exploring the city's vibrant sport and tourism landscape through behind-the-scenes site visits and interactions with industry professionals.

🌾 RST 290: Agritourism expands learning beyond the city by examining how tourism, agriculture, heritage, and local communities intersect. Students explore farms, orchards, vineyards, festivals, and rural destinations while discovering how authentic experiences drive tourism and support local economies. The course also introduces students to heritage tourism through RST 185: Route 66, where they explore the history, culture, and roadside attractions that have made America's "Mother Road" one of the country's most iconic travel experiences.

🏆 RST 180: Hall of Fame Tour takes students behind the scenes at legendary sports and entertainment destinations, providing firsthand insights into sports management, tourism, event operations, and the stories that have shaped the industry.

These immersive experiences connect classroom concepts to real-world applications, helping students develop professional skills while exploring diverse career opportunities in recreation, sport, and tourism.

Where will your RST experience take you?

RST 485 Internship Spotlight: Ari SchenckerAri Schencker, an RST student with a concentration in sport, is gaining valua...
08/06/2026

RST 485 Internship Spotlight: Ari Schencker

Ari Schencker, an RST student with a concentration in sport, is gaining valuable industry experience with , where his internship spans both sport operations and marketing.

As a coach, Ari teaches the fundamentals of basketball while fostering teamwork, leadership, and confidence in the next generation of athletes. In addition to coaching, he supports Hoops4Health's marketing initiatives, strengthening his communication, outreach, and promotional skills through hands-on experience.

Looking ahead, Ari is excited to apply the knowledge and professional skills gained through his internship as he prepares for a career in the sport industry.

Address

1206 South Fourth Street
Champaign, IL
61820

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism at Illinois posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category