Tag: alumni

Students are often intrigued by parks, recreation and tourism management because of its diverse curriculum – and graduate with confidence in their skills for a variety of careers. Recently, we caught up with Grace Lenning, a 2020 graduate from the Clemson University Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, to hear about what she’s been up to since finishing her degree. 

Let’s get to know Grace! 

Q: What was your concentration within the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management? 

A: Tourism and Event Management (formerly, Travel and Tourism) 

Q: Where did you work during your required internship?

A: I interned with Mill Community Ministries where I planned events and managed fundraising. After my required summer internship, I stayed with the organization for almost a year. 

Q: What has your career path looked like post-graduation?

A: Graduating at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic was very hard. I bounced around a lot in the beginning but was determined not to let COVID slow my momentum. I worked at the Inn at Patrick Square, sold insurance and managed events and marketing for a bar and restaurant before starting my job with TTi. 

Q: What is your current job?

A: I work for a company called Techtronic Industries in Charlotte, NC as a product coordinator for Hoover floor care. In my role, I participate in every aspect of new product launches – from development and engineering to marketing – and help maintain the quality and marketability of legacy products. 

Q: What are your job responsibilities? 

A: I work with engineers on both development and quality issues. I work with our brand and marketing teams to produce materials for our online retailers, in-store displays and to make sure products are showcased in a way that communicates their value to consumers. I also work with our finance and sales teams to track sales, pricing and costs of products. I wear a lot of hats in this role!

Q: How did your degree in PRTM prepare you for this position?

A: PRTM taught me how to think outside the box. I learned how experience economy can impact the consumer shopping experience and what that means for competitive marketing strategies in any given industry. This knowledge is invaluable in my current role, and I credit PRTM for preparing me to succeed through a diverse learning experience. 

Q: What advice would you give PRTM undergraduates today?

A: Life is wild and weird. Take challenges head on and take opportunities as they come. 

Q: Any final thoughts?

A: PRTM is one of the best, most versatile majors – enjoy it and GO TIGERS!

The Clemson University Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management department recently recognized two of its former students for their impressive contributions to the parks and recreational field throughout their careers to date. A Clemson University staff member was also recognized for her contributions to the department.

Kyle M. Woosnam, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management within the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia, was recognized for his achievements in academia. Melinda Chappell, Director of the North Myrtle Beach Aquatic & Fitness Center, was recognized as an outstanding practitioner. Casey Kornegay won the department’s Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes a member of the Clemson community who has made outstanding contributions to the PRTM Department.

Interim Department Chair Jeffrey Hallo says that all three winners have focused their careers on building opportunities for other people.

“Kyle’s research track record is extensive and impressive, but he is also widely regarded as an excellent personal and professional mentor to his students,” Hallo said. “Melinda has also focused her career on serving others, with a particular focus on creating sports and recreation opportunities for persons with disabilities. Casey’s work has made a significant impact on our department and our students.”

About Kyle Woosnam

Woosnam completed his Ph.D. in 2008 and focuses his research on sustainable tourism planning and management within rural communities, both with the U.S. and abroad. He has conducted research in 27 countries, secured more than $1.25 million in grants and contracts to support his research, published more than 80 peer-reviewed journal articles and delivered more than 130 conference presentations throughout the globe. He has also received eight teaching awards and two research awards throughout his 11 years serving as a professor, and has graduated 28 Masters students (17 chaired committees) and 16 Ph.D. students (four chaired committees).

He serves as Senior Research Fellow within the University of Surrey’s School of Tourism and Hospitality Management and the University of Johannesburg’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, where he teaches courses in community tourism, cultural heritage tourism, social impacts of tourism, research methods, and protected areas management. He sits on seven editorial boards, including the Journal of Travel Research, Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Research, and Sustainability.

About Melinda Chappell

Chappell holds a BS degree in Recreation Administration with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation from Clemson University, and a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of South Carolina. A certified recreation therapist, Melinda has spent most of her career serving persons with disabilities. She co-founded Limitless Sports, Columbia S.C. and Coastal Adaptive Sports, and is a long-time member of the Southeastern Regional Wheelchair Sports Association, as well as the meet director for their annual event, the Southeastern Regional Wheelchair Games (SEWSA). She helped bring these games to Clemson University.

Originally from Irmo, South Carolina, Chappell moved to North Myrtle Beach in 2001 to work for the city, and is currently the Director of the North Myrtle Beach Aquatic & Fitness Center, a 64,000 square foot, membership-based facility that she helped build. She also teaches a course about recreation for persons with disabilities as an Adjunct Professor at Coastal Carolina University.

About Casey Kornegay

As the Senior Academic Compliance Manager in the Office of Institutional Effectiveness, Casey Kornegay leads and maintains Clemson’s authorization for out-of-state educational activities and learning placements, compliance with university policy and processes, and with federal, state, NC-SARA, and SACSCOC accreditation requirements. In this role, Casey enjoys working with a variety of academic programs across campus to ensure they are meeting compliance requirements and assist them with processes to enhance their efficiencies.

Casey holds an M.S.in Instructional Design and Technology from Western Illinois University. Before her career in higher education, she worked for corporations in a variety of roles from project management, event planning, training management, acquisition team lead, instructional designer, technical writer and marketing management.

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The parks, recreation and tourism management department at Clemson University 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.