Leo McAvoy

College of Education and Human Development, July 31, 2017

Leo McAvoy received a Ph.D. in recreation, park, and leisure studies from the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Minnesota in 1976, and spent more than 30 years as a professor in the School of Kinesiology. He is considered to be a leading authority in outdoor and adventure education. He is particularly well known for his leading research on outdoor opportunities for people with disabilities. Because of his pioneering efforts in program development and research, he significantly improved the human condition for people with disabilities and their families. He is also credited with his innovative and bold efforts to bring diverse departments and groups together, such as exploring, documenting, and critically examining the relationship between indigenous American Indians, public land management, and recreation. His work with community partners helped pave the way for legislation and policies that have made a significant impact on providing outdoor access on a national level. McAvoy has received several honors and recognition for his contributions to the parks and recreation field. He was elected to the Academy of Leisure Sciences in 1988; he received the National Recreation and Park Association Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt Award in 2004; and the Wilderness Education Association Paul Petzoldt Outdoor Leadership Award in 2011, to name just a few.