The Resort and Commercial Recreation Association “applauds and encourages Dr. Weddell’s continued research and engagement in the field of commercial recreation.”

BOONE, N.C. — Dr. Melissa Weddell, associate professor in Appalachian State University’s Department of Recreation Management and Physical Education, is the recipient of the 2017 Excellence in Research Award from the Resort and Commercial Recreation Association (RCRA). The award was presented to Weddell at the association’s annual conference, which was held in November 2017, in Sunriver, Oregon.

According to the RCRA, the “Excellence in Research Award recognizes the valuable contribution of a selected piece of research that is presented at the RCRA Research Symposium.”

Weddell was recognized for her contribution to research in the study “Nomadtopia: Emerging Tourism Markets,” which explores a new trend in tourism known as nomadtopia, or the “location independent family.” The study includes ethnographic interviews from families who live full time within an RV and travel across the United States, shaping a life of freedom away from the traditional confines of suburban living.

Weddell is a past recipient of the RCRA’s Outstanding Professor Award, which she earned in 2015.

About the Resort and Commercial Recreation Association

The Resort and Commercial Recreation Association (RCRA) is committed to providing and promoting professional development, creative resources and networking for professionals, students, educators, vendors and all others dedicated to delivering services in the recreation industry.

About the Department of Recreation Management and Physical Education

The Department of Recreation Management and Physical Education in Appalachian State University’s Beaver College of Health Sciences is an innovative, diverse and forward-thinking academic unit consisting of two undergraduate programs. The recreation management program prepares students for careers as professionals in three concentrations: commercial recreation and tourism management, outdoor experiential education, and recreation and park management. The health and physical education program prepares students for careers as K-12 health and physical educators, school-based activity directors and coaches. Learn more at https://rmpe.appstate.edu.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.

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