UNK TODAY
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All work and all play UNK program prepares students for careers in parks and recreation
Learning by doing Hands-on, experiential learn- ing is a major focus within the program. Every student completes an in- ternship before graduation at such places as Kearney Park and Rec- reation, Kearney Family YMCA, Tri-City Storm hockey and Ne- braska Game and Parks. They can also work for athletic departments, sports teams, state and national parks and recre- ational facilities throughout the Midwest and across the country. “There are so many different options,” Silverman said. “We en- courage students to spread their wings and branch out if they can.” On campus, students can assist in sales, marketing, social media, event planning and facilities man- agement with UNK Athletics, and some classes include experiential learning components. Last semester, students planned and hosted a Family Getaway at The Archway event featuring food trucks and family activities. They organized a fundraiser for youth scholarships at Kearney Combat Sports. Coniglio, who is managing Miller Pool in Omaha this sum- mer, really enjoys these hands-on experiences. “Most of my classes don’t even feel like I’m actually going to class,” she said with a smile.
TYLER ELLYSON UNK Communications
KEARNEY — Clare Coniglio’s first job was at Hitchcock Pool in her hometown of Omaha. She started working there at age 15, unknowingly taking the first step toward a professional career. As she moved up the ranks within Omaha Parks and Recre- ation, Coniglio began thinking more and more about her long- term plans. “There are people who actually make a living running summer programs and pools,” she real- ized. “It really interested me to not have a desk job and to be active and make a difference in that way.” A junior at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, Coniglio is among the 80-plus undergradu- ate students enrolled in the sport and recreation management pro- gram. Part of the Department of Ki- nesiology and Sport Sciences, this recently revamped program offers options for students interested in careers related to athletics and recreational and outdoor activi- ties. “A lot of the
ERIKA PRITCHARD , UNK COMMUNICATIONS Clare Coniglio wants to work as a municipal parks and recreation director so she can share her active, outdoorsy lifestyle with others.
skills that it takes to succeed in these careers are the same — market- ing, management and finance, to name a few — and many of the core
classes already overlapped,” said Rachel Silverman, an assistant professor and program coordina- tor. “We were able to merge sport and recreation management into a single program that continues to serve the needs of our students
and their future employers,” she added. The new sport and recreation management program includes two bachelor’s degree options. Students can pursue a compre- hensive degree and choose one of three emphasis areas: manage-
ment, sport media or recreation. There are also sport manage- ment, recreation management and event management minors, as well as a sport and recreation management major that allows students to select a minor from outside the program.
Silverman
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