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Michael D. Lukkarinen
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Lukkarinen Named RPTA Department Chair

June 8, 2023

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MACOMB, IL – Western Illinois University Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration Interim Chair Michael D. Lukkarinen has been named the department chair, effective July 1.

Lukkarinen has served as the interim chair since August 2018. He came to WIU in 2005 as a visiting RPTA instructor, and was named an assistant professor in 2006, an associate professor in 2014, and a full professor in 2022. Lukkarinen was also named the RPTA department's undergraduate internship coordinator in 2014.

Prior to coming to WIU, Lukkarinen was a graduate research and teaching assistant at the University of Illinois.

"It is truly an honor to be chosen as the chair of a department that cares so deeply about thoroughly preparing its students to be successful professionals that make tremendous differences in the diverse career areas that our field encompasses; a department, of which I am also a two-time graduate," said Lukkarinen. "I was also recently offered the opportunity to be a chair at another university, but in my heart I felt a loyalty to my department, my University and my family to build on my legacy as a Leatherneck, and stand on the shoulders of giants like (Nick) DiGrino, (Dale) Adkins and (Dan) Yoder, who remain my mentors to this day. I am proud to serve at the helm of a department of proactive, engaged faculty that continually strive to be on the cutting edge of our field, with guidance from our active alumni and industry partners. We make a difference one student at a time."

Lukkarinen received his bachelor's degree in RPTA from WIU; his master's degree in RPTA from WIU and his doctoral degree in Recreation, Sport and Tourism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

WIU College of Education and Human Services Assistant Dean Eric Sheffield said the department is excited to have Lukkarinen appointed to the chair position permanently.

"This will allow him to continue the excellent leadership he has provided the department over the last several years as interim chair," Sheffield said.





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