For the third time in 20 years, professor of recreation and leisure studies Dr. Doug Kennedy is honored.
By Tara Kinard '08
Dr. Doug Kennedy, Batten Professor of Recreation and
Leisure Studies at Virginia Wesleyan College.
At the 2008 Commencement ceremonies, Virginia Wesleyan College's Batten Professor of Recreation and Leisure Studies Dr. Doug Kennedy was awarded the Samuel Nelson Gray Distinguished Teaching Award — for the third time in his 20 years of teaching.
The honor is student-selected and presented annually to recognize distinguished teaching, which includes exemplary performance in the classroom, the ability to develop professional interest in one's academic field, and involvement with professional activities on and off campus. Kennedy previously received the award in 1991 and 2000.
"It's incredibly special," said Kennedy, "especially after you have been teaching here for many years, to know you are still that important to the students."
At the College, Kennedy has served as the adviser for Phi Kappa Tau fraternity since its inception in 1988, director of the Ropes Course, and associate dean for campus recreation, which involves coordinating aquatics, fitness, recreational sports and outdoor activities.
Kennedy is also actively involved in the larger community as chairman of the board of directors of Camp Silver Beach, and as a member of the executive board of the YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association) of South Hampton Roads.
Finally, in his most important role, that of a father, he coaches his two sons' baseball teams, and is active in the Boy Scouts, both as a member and as the father of two young scouts.
As a recreation and leisure professor, Kennedy teaches in one of the five largest majors at Virginia Wesleyan.
"Our major has grown so much here, and nationally as well," said Kennedy. "Students have come to understand the value of recreation and leisure activities in college."
To Kennedy, a recreation and leisure program is important to a liberal arts curriculum, and the two go hand in hand.
"It [the liberal arts] allows students to develop the theoretical underpinnings of recreation and leisure, which is to be able to understand not only how to help people, but why it's important," he said.
A course offered within the major that exemplifies this approach is REC 304: History, Philosophy and Trends of Recreation and Leisure. The class examines the historical background of recreation, which is used to develop a student's personal philosophy. The student then applies what he/she has learned to their profession.
"It's incredibly special," said Kennedy. "Especially after you have been teaching here for many years, to know you are still that important to the students."Kennedy's Management of Recreation and Leisure Services course, which explores management principles for recreation activities, with a concentration on revenue generation as well as personnel and project management, raised almost $20,000 for local recreation agencies last year alone. >>Read More
Kennedy's teaching philosophy is primarily grounded in his belief that "one size fits all" instruction cannot be successful. Instead, he follows an individualized approach.
"I see myself as a guide," explained Kennedy. "I see myself as understanding what students have to learn, then guiding them through a process that helps individuals understand what they have learned and apply it to their own life."
For Kennedy this connection with students is the most rewarding component of his profession, and one that makes graduation a particularly special occasion.
"The best time of year is May, when I see students walk across that stage. I really see how far they have come since setting foot on this campus," he said.
While Kennedy cites the opportunity to interact with students as the highlight of his position, he is equally appreciated by students. One thing certain is that it's not lax expectations or a carefree mentality that has earned him such a positive reputation among students.
Failure, for Kennedy, is a vital experience for students, and equally important for teachers — it is the ability to be creative, try new things, and have great failures.
"If you're not failing every now and then," said Kennedy, "you're not trying hard enough. Failure teaches you perseverance, the right way to do things, and they give you great stories over the years."
Though Kennedy's disciplined perspective may strike some as challenging, he abides by the same standards in his personal life that he expects from students.
For example, eight years ago he decided to take up marathon running, although he had never been much of a runner. Having grown successful with the activity, he has since taken up swimming and biking, and now participates in triathlons — not for the sake of winning, but to learn about overcoming adversity.
"It's no different from the classroom — set seemingly unachievable goals, and then go out and achieve them," he said.
07.23.08