Kent State Graduate Shaun Patrick Miller Receives NRPA National Network Award for Parks and Recreation

Shaun Patrick Miller, a former resident of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, and an August 2011 graduate of Kent State University’s Recreation, Park and Tourism Management program, was recently selected by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) to receive the 2011 Young Professional Network Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award. NRPA will present the award publicly at a special reception at the association’s 2011 Congress & Exposition in Atlanta on Nov. 2. 

Launched this year, NRPA Network Awards are designed to honor NRPA members for their significant efforts in specialized areas of parks and recreation. The Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award is presented to a student in recognition of continuous extraordinary community service or contributions to the field. The criteria for this award include community service, collaboration, and personal and professional dedication to the field of parks and recreation. 

During his years at Kent State, Miller volunteered at area parks and recreation agencies and worked at the Adventure Center. He used these opportunities to provide recreation experiences for clientele but also to advocate for the value of public lands and an appreciation for the natural environment. He has received numerous awards, both for his service to the field of recreation and parks, and for his military service. Miller successfully completed a 600-hour internship with the National Park Service, working as a park guide in the Plateau Interpretive area of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Recently, he accepted a position at the National Park Service’s Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center in the Grand Tetons in Wyoming. He will help conduct outreach programs and lead snowshoe-guided hikes.

“His passion for the field of outdoor/adventure recreation and his strong work ethic make him stand out among other students,” said Dave Herpy, outdoor adventure and camp coordinator at Kent State’s Department of Recreational Services. “His attention to detail, natural leadership abilities, and strong communication and organizational skills made him highly successful in his employment with the Adventure Center.”

For more information on NRPA’s national award programming, contact Brenda Beales at 703-858-2141 or bbeales@nrpa.org.

For more information on Kent State’s Recreation, Park and Tourism Management program, visit www.kent.edu/ehhs/rptm. 

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Media Contacts:
Beth Thomas, ethoma1@kent.edu, 330-672-7838
Emily Vincent, evincen2@kent.edu, 330-672-8595