New Opportunities for Outdoor Enthusiasts in Knoxville!
Knoxville, get ready to lace up those hiking boots and grab your camping gear! A new and exciting opportunity has just hit the University of Tennessee, and it’s making waves for students eager to enter the world of outdoor recreation and park management. With the introduction of the Outdoor Recreation and Park Management (ORPM) concentration, students can now dive into a career that combines their love for nature with hands-on learning experiences.
Get Ready for Fall 2024!
Starting this fall, the university has rolled out this innovative undergraduate program under the Herbert College of Agriculture School of Natural Resources. So, if you’ve ever dreamed of working in national or state parks, now’s your chance! Classes will cover everything from recreation ecology and visitor use management to outdoor leadership and natural and cultural interpretation. Sounds pretty interesting, right?
Learning in Nature’s Classroom
The best part? Students won’t just be sitting in a classroom the entire time! The university boasts over 21,000 acres of forest land that will serve as the ultimate outdoor classroom. What does this mean for students? They get to learn in some of the most stunning natural areas around, including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the beautiful Cherokee National Forest. Can you imagine walking through the lush landscapes while learning about conservation? It really is a dream come true for nature lovers!
Building Future Leaders
This new concentration not only prepares students for roles in natural resource management agencies and non-profit organizations but also allows students to dive into the thriving outdoor recreation economy. In fact, the outdoor recreation sector generates a whopping $1.1 trillion in economic output nationwide, with Tennessee alone accounting for $11.9 billion! With numbers like that, it’s clear that a passion for the outdoors can translate into a solid career path!
What’s the Buzz?
According to Don Hodges, the director of the School of Natural Resources, the program is designed with Knoxville’s rich outdoor offerings in mind. “We are well-equipped to provide a strong education that incorporates foundational knowledge in the classroom alongside outstanding practical field experience,” said Hodges. It’s evident that this program is all about fostering a deep connection between students and the environment.
Being Stewards of the Future!
With the rising popularity of outdoor activities comes a sense of responsibility. Ryan Sharp, the ORPM associate professor, expressed his excitement about training a new generation of outdoor leaders. “The Outdoor Recreation and Park Management concentration will prepare students to be leaders in protecting our natural and cultural heritage,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high-quality outdoor opportunities for future generations. How refreshing to hear about programs committed to sustainability!
Interested? Here’s What You Need to Know!
So, how can you find out more about this thrilling new concentration? You can head over to the School of Natural Resources website and check out the academic catalog. Whether you’re interested in the business side of outdoor recreation or aiming to become a park ranger, this program has something to offer everyone eager to make a difference in the great outdoors.
With exciting new options like the ORPM concentration, the University of Tennessee is paving the way for outdoor enthusiasts to turn their passion into a professional pathway. Who knows what adventures await you in the great outdoors? Get ready, Knoxville—your future in the wild starts here!
