Benjamin Hickerson

BRIEF BIO

Dr. Benjamin Hickerson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Community and Therapeutic Recreation. He has an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Illinois State University, a master’s degree in Recreation and Park Administration from Illinois State University, and a doctorate of philosophy in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management from North Carolina State University.

Prior to becoming a faculty member, he worked in community recreation for the Alton, Illinois Park and Recreation Department as an Activities Specialist. Dr. Hickerson’s research program is on the design of leisure and recreation experiences that can be modified to encourage physical activity participation and the development of social capital. He has studied both physical (i.e., parks and summer camps) and digital (i.e., videogames) environments.

His research has been published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, Journal of Park and Recreation Administration, Journal of Physical Activity and Health, Journal of Youth Development, Society & Leisure, Therapeutic Recreation Journal, and World Leisure Journal. Dr. Hickerson currently serves as a board member for the National Recreation and Park Association Education Network, and Leisure Sciences. He has received teaching excellence awards at Illinois State University, North Carolina State University, and Pennsylvania State University.