Office of Public Relations CAMPUS RELEASE Friday, November 3, 2006 For immediate release Benedict’s Recreation and Services program receives national accreditation [Columbia, SC] – The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and the American Association for Physical Activity and Recreation Council on Accreditation granted accreditation to the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Department for the baccalaureate degree in recreation and leisure services during its recent meeting in Seattle, WA. The program is accredited through October 2011. “The recreation and leisure services program has a solid track record and produces graduates who quickly rise to leadership positions in the field and who go on to pursue graduate studies,” said Dr. Janeen P. Witty, Dean for the School of Education. “This accreditation is the external validation that Benedict’s program and our graduates meet national standards.” Benedict College will be included on the list of accredited programs in recreation, park resources, and leisure services education. This list is published in the February issue of Parks and Recreation magazine and the NRPA website. Dr. William F. Gunn, Jr., program coordinator, led the efforts of the faculty, students, alumni, and community partners through the accreditation process. Additionally, Dr. Ifeanyi Emenike, chair of the HPER department, provided leadership for the initiative through the allocation of resources. Dr. Emenike has faculty and students who enjoy their work and service with others. The recreation and leisure services program joins two other nationally accredited programs in the Benedict College School of Education, the teacher education program, accredited by NCATE and the social work program, accredited by CSWE. For more information, you may contact Dr. Janeen Witty, Dean of School of Education at 803-705-4761. ###