University News

WIU Department Renamed RPTH to Reflect Hospitality Connection

June 20, 2023

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MACOMB/MOLINE – Beginning Saturday, July 1, the Western Illinois University Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration (RPTA) will become the Department of Recreation, Park, Tourism, and Hospitality (RPTH).

RPTH Chair Michael Lukkarinen said discussion about the change has been ongoing since the Hospitality program merged with RPTA in 2018, and coalesced during the last departmental faculty meeting of the semester. Over the last few years, faculty have conducted market research, sought guidance from current students and alumni, and engaged in discussions with Admissions and high school counselors about their interactions with prospective students. The name was also discussed with the department's Advisory Board.

"It's an idea we had been kicking around and putting out there," Lukkarinen said. "The name is more reflective of the types of jobs our graduates are seeking out."

RPTH Associate Professor Jeremy Robinett said two emeritus department chairs offered feedback and suggested the department's name should be built on industry "anchors," and facilitate a better understanding of the industries where WIU students find employment.

"Our Advisory Board came together and agreed about the 'anchors.' Recreation, Park, and Tourism are industries where our students find successful employment, and we believe hospitality is a large industry we serve, and is making a strong comeback after COVID," said Robinett. "It needed to be recognized as one of our anchors."

At the same time the department is transitioning to a new name, the entire department is moving offices to be completely housed in Knoblauch Hall.

"The relocation puts RPTH in close proximity with our departmental partners, such as Agriculture and Theatre," said Lukkarinen. "Our corporate kitchen, and two of our faculty, were already housed on the second floor of Knoblauch Hall. Now all of our faculty are under one roof on the first and second floors."

For more information about the newly-named department, visit wiu.edu/RPTH.


Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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