Oct. 3, 2003

CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine (724) 738-4854;  e-mail: gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu

AMERICAN THERAPEUTIC RECREATION ASSOCIATION NAMES

ONE OUTSTANDING PROFESSIONAL A YEAR;

SRU’S DR. DEBORAH HUTCHINS -- WINS 2003 AWARD

           SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – For her leadership and outstanding work in clinical education competency, Slippery Rock University’s Dr. Deborah Hutchins has received the 2003 Outstanding Professional Award from the American Therapeutic Recreation Association.            

           The ATRA names one outstanding professional a year. Last year, SRU’s Therapeutic Recreation Program won its Excellence in Education Award.The undergraduate major focuses on addressing physical and emotional needs of those individuals with illness or disability.

            Hutchins, assistant professor of parks and recreation/environmental education, received the award because “her vast experience as a practitioner contributes to her ability to serve as a knowledgeable and motivating educator,” ARTA spokeswoman Laurie Jake said.

Leadership

           Hutchins evidence of leadership is vast and includes serving as past ATRA president, as well as past Chair of the American Therapeutic Recreation Foundation board of trustees and her current role as team leader for the ATRA Clinical Education Task Force, Jake said.

           “It’s always nice to be recognized by your peers,” Hutchins said. An SRU professor for 10 years, Hutchins received her doctorate in health care education from Nova Southeastern University in Florida. She attended Pennsylvania State University for her undergraduate degree in therapeutic recreation and the University of North Carolina for her masters in therapeutic recreation administration.

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