COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SCIENCES SCHOLARSHIP PORTFOLIO (2013) | Page 72

Recreation, Parks and Tourism
The Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism (RPT) envisions a California and world
where all residents are adequately prepared and situated to realize quality in all that comprises
their life’s pursuits. To achieve this vision, RPT works to foster an innovative community among
students, faculty, University, the recreation, parks, and tourism professions, local, state, national
and international residents, nonprofit organizations and businesses, through a foundation of quality
education, service, and research. A primary goal of the RPT Department is for its faculty and
students to acquire knowledge of theories, models and paradigms for explaining the past, present and
future of leisure and the ability to translate and apply these to recreation, parks and tourism programs
and services. The types of research RPT faculty and students undertake are focused on addressing
current issues and needs of the communities and profession we serve. We collaborate with a wide
variety of organizations in our scholarly pursuits, ranging from government agencies, such as the
National Park Service; community-based nonprofits, such as the Boys and Girl s Club; to commercial
recreation and tourism organizations, such as the California Ski Industry Association and Another
Planet Entertainment. Our faculty and students have published in a diverse array of scholarly
publications, ranging from the Journal of Leisure Research, Journal of Environmental Education
Research, Journal of Experiential Education, Journal of Parks and Recreation Administration,
Journal of Physical Activity and Health, Journal of Marketing, Journal of Travel Research, to the
Journal of Tourism Insights.

Student Honors
Jennifer Skhals was raised outside of Los Angeles with her mother,
father and two sisters. In 2000, Jennifer graduated from Cal. State
Northridge with a degree in Sociology, Social Welfare. When she
graduated, she was working as a grant writer for Tarzana Treatment
Centers where she wrote grant proposals for women and children
in recovery. Later, she worked as a senior outreach coordinator for
The Red Cross developing and implementing a travel program for
the elderly. In 2009, Jennifer moved to San Francisco and enrolled
in the Recreation, Parks and Tourism Master’s program where she
specialized in non profit administration and gerontology. Jennifer
hopes to apply her education in the field by providing recreation
opportunities and improving the quality of life for the elderly
population.
Jasmine Ferguson is a member of Meeting Professionals
International (MPI) and serves as the MPINCC Student Affairs
Committee Co-chair. While attending SFSU, Jasmine coordinated
a Student Day at the Annual MPINCC trade show held at Moscone
Center, worked as the Events Chair for a “Relay for Life” event to
support the American Cancer Society and the Lexus Hospitality
Tent Manager at the 2012 U.S. Open Golf Championship. Jasmine
is currently interning with the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition and
the Giants Enterprises, where she plans and coordinates special
events.

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