The Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management (PRTM) Blog

PRTM Alumni Feature: Grace Lenning

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!

Momentum Bike Clubs founder passes leadership torch to new executive director

Momentum Bike Clubs (MBC), a group mentoring initiative facilitated by the Clemson University Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, begins a new chapter this spring, as leadership passes from David Taylor to Tavaghn Monts.

Monts, who also serves as the assistant director of community collaboration for the department’s Race, Ethnicity, Youth and Social Equity Collaboratory, will take over as executive director of Momentum Bike Clubs on June 1, moving from his current role as associate director of the organization.

“David has poured his heart and soul into making MBC the supportive, inclusive, life-giving program it is today,” Monts said. “I consider it a great honor to take the reins and carry his vision into the future.”

Founded by Taylor in 2010, the program uses cycling as a vessel to foster positive mentor relationships and build resilience in underserved youth facing persistent poverty, parental incarceration or instability in their home lives.

Once a week, middle and high school students throughout the Upstate participate in group rides on local trails to establish healthy exercise practices and stay connected with their mentors and peers. Clubs work to provide students with the support they need to overcome challenges, develop healthy relationships and pursue their dreams.

“Connection and a sense of belonging are important to the youth we serve,” Taylor said. “MBC offers them a community of people who are advocating for their academic and personal success, as well as their mental, emotional and physical well-being.”

Bike club students can participate in internships, trips, youth development seminars and high school preparation resources. Younger students are also eligible to “graduate” to the more rigorous challenge team, a diverse group of young people who take on more difficult rides and push each other to achieve their goals.

Since its induction, Taylor’s passion for positive youth development can be seen in how he has nurtured and grown the program from an inaugural group of 10 students to over 1,100 youth and 110,000 miles ridden.

Moving forward, Monts plans to continue Taylor’s important work of advocating for underserved youth in the Upstate and providing them a place of refuge from the adversities of life.

END

Momentum Bike Clubs operates on the belief that youth and caregivers thrive when living in inclusive and supportive communities and promotes vigorous exercise and healthy peer and mentor relationships. MBC was founded in 2010 and is facilitated by the Clemson University Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management.

The Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management is part of the University’s College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences (CBSHS). Established in 2016, CBSHS is a 21st-century, land-grant college that combines work in seven schools and departments – Communication; Nursing; Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management; Political Science; Psychology; Public Health Sciences; Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice – to further its mission in “building people and communities” in South Carolina and beyond.

Meet Dr. Em Adams, assistant professor in PRTM’s recreational therapy concentration

 

Meet Dr. Em Adams, assistant professor in parks, recreation and tourism management’s recreational therapy concentration!  

Em received her doctorate from Clemson University in parks, recreation and tourism management with a cognate area of recreational therapy and a certificate in clinical and translational science. After completing her degree, she spent several years as an assistant professor at Lehman College in Bronx, New York before rejoining the Clemson PRTM family last year.

Let’s get to know her!

Q: What courses do you teach in PRTM’s recreational therapy concentration?

A: I teach Assessment in Recreational Therapy (PRTM 3240) and Advanced Facilitation Techniques (PRTM 8720).

Q: What are you research interests? 

A: My research focuses on health equity and building resilience in individuals, families and communities who have experienced violence and trauma. I’m also passionate about reducing barriers to treatment for mental health and finding ways to reduce burnout and vicarious trauma among healthcare workers.

Q: Outside of work, what are your hobbies? 

A: I love music and any type of water activity.

Q: What words of advice would you share with undergraduate or graduate students in PRTM? 

A: Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself and make sure you’re taking time for self-care. Keep open lines of communication with your professors and ask for help as needed.

Em was recently named a fellow for the Society of Behavioral Medicine’s Diversity Institute for Emerging Leaders. This institute was designed to assist early-career scholars in fostering a deep understanding and application of the principles of diversity and inclusion in both their research and mentoring.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome to PRTM!

Clemson University’s Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management (PRTM) department provides:

  • High-impact, faculty-led educational experiences
  • Cutting-edge foundational and applied research
  • Innovative solutions in a rapidly changing environment
  • Outreach activities that prepare our students to serve the citizens of South Carolina and our national and global constituents

Our academic areas of focus include:

  • Community Recreation, Sport and Camp Management
  • Leisure Skills
  • Nonprofit Leadership
  • PGA Golf Management
  • Park and Conservation Area Management
  • Public Administration
  • Recreational Therapy
  • Travel and Tourism
  • Youth Development

We’ve started this blog to share some of our stories – about our research, events, achievements and other updates.

You’ll find information about our academic programs, our people, and our centers and institutes, including the:

Watch this space to learn more about one of the most innovative, comprehensive, and successful Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management programs in the nation. You can also visit the PRTM website for details.