ROBERT M. BELAND, PH.D.
Associate Professor
Ph.D. in therapeutic recreation, University of Maryland (1980)
M.A. in therapeutic recreation, Columbia University (1976)
B.A. in psychology and mental health, Ramapo College of New Jersey (1973)
Curriculum Vitae

Office:		FLG 310
Address:		P.O. Box 118208 Gainesville, FL 32611-8200
Contact:		(352) 392-4042 ext. 1222 rbeland@hhp.ufl.edu

Biography:
Robert M. Beland, Ph.D. first joined the College of Health and Human Performance in 1980 as an assistant professor. Since then, he has served as an associate director for the Center for Gerontological Studies and as an associate professor for the Department of Tourism, Recreation and Sport Management. He also has served as the department’s undergraduate advisor and the department’s graduate coordinator.

Beland has extensive experience in his field and was certified at the professional level as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).

In 2003, Beland was honored as the Gerontology Teacher of the Year at UF by the Delta Iota chapter of Sigma Phi Omega. He also was named the Teacher of the Year by HHP and TRSM more than seven times.  In 2007, he received the Distinguished Teacher honor from the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education.

His professional memberships include the National Therapeutic Recreation Society, the Florida Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, the Florida Recreation & Park Association (FRPA) and the International Council for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Sport & Dance.

Research Interests: 

• • Gerontology
• • Leisure and aging
• • Disability and aging
• • Event management.

Classes:
LEI 3705 Leisure Services for Persons with Disabilities
LEI 3921 Field Experience
LEI 4540 Management and Supervision of Leisure Facilities and Personnel