The University’s Mission
Ohio University is a public university providing a broad range of educational programs and services. As an academic community, Ohio University holds the intellectual and personal growth of the individual to be a central purpose. Its programs are designed to broaden perspectives, enrich awareness, deepen understanding, establish disciplined habits of thought, prepare for meaningful careers, and thus, to help develop individuals who are informed, responsible, productive citizens.
A Commitment to Diversity
To accomplish this mission, Ohio University is committed to producing an atmosphere in which understanding and acceptance of cultural and racial differences are ensured. Diversity is part of the institution's heritage. Ohio University was one of the first in the nation to graduate an African-American, John Newton Templeton, in 1828. A generation later the institution graduated its first international alumnus, Saki Taro Murayama of Japan, in 1895.
Ohio University is bound morally, emotionally, and intellectually to pursue the realizing of a vision of real community. As a result, it is committed to equal opportunity for all people and is pledged to take direct and proactive measures to achieve that goal. In upholding its commitment, Ohio University will not tolerate racism, sexism, homophobia, bigotry, or other forms of human rights violations. Such actions are inconsistent with, and detrimental to, the core values we hold essential as an institution of higher learning, among them respect, civility, and diversity. All students, faculty, and staff of Ohio University are expected to uphold the University's commitment to a just and diverse community and to take a leadership role in ensuring an atmosphere of equality.
The Gladys W. and David H. Patton College of Education
The Gladys W. and David H. Patton College of Education provides learning-centered experiences that foster a diverse academic community. This community serves the economic and cultural needs of the region and benefits the state, nation and world by generating new knowledge and education future citizens and leaders. The Patton College of Education promotes the efforts of participants who, in concert with our educational partners, design and experiment with new practices, evaluate their impact, and share the results in all relevant arenas.
Through support of academic, scholarly, and service activities, The Patton College of Education promotes professional and personal growth of faculty and the expansion of knowledge in their respective disciplines. There is a commitment to provide a positive learning and work environment for students, faculty, and staff and an environment characterized by mutual respect and concern and one which is also accessible to individuals with special needs. The Patton College actively seeks to develop cultural and ethnic diversity among students, faculty, and staff.
The Patton College of Education is dedicated to the development of the total student. The Patton College recognizes its responsibility to provide outreach programs which include continuing education for practicing professionals, as well as human services to the nearby community.
The Patton College of Education prepares undergraduate and graduate students for professional roles in a variety of settings: teacher education, human services, and research. The Patton College of Education is comprised of the following academic departments: Counseling and Higher Education, Educational Studies, Human and Consumer Sciences, Recreation and Sport Pedagogy, and Teacher Education. Centers and Partnerships within The Patton College include: Center for Higher Education, Center for Partnerships, Child Development Center, Coalition of Rural and Appalachian Schools (CORAS), Curriculum and Technology Center, George E. Hill Center, The Literacy Center, Southeast Ohio Center for Excellence in Mathematics and Science (SEOCEMS), and Upward Bound.
The Department of Recreation & Sport Pedagogy
Mission Statement
The department's mission is to improve wellbeing and happiness through inclusive recreation and leisure, physical education, and physical activity and sport coaching. This mission is achieved through high quality education, scholarship, and service to the university, community and related professions.
Vision Statement
The Department of Recreation and Sport Pedagogy at Ohio University aspires to be a global leader in the preparation of human service professionals who are committed to fulfilling the ideals and values of their respective disciplines. Such ideals and values include promoting leading-edge professional practices, inspiring lifelong health and wellness through recreation, physical activity and sport, promoting environmental sustainability, promoting inclusion and diversity, enriching communities through model outreach programs and activities, and advancing scholarship and creative activity that informs policy and practice.
About the Department
The Department of Recreation and Sport Pedagogy facilitates educational opportunities in recreation, physical activity, and sport that contribute significantly to one’s quality of life. The Recreation Studies program works to prepare professionals to work in administration of park and recreation programs and facilities, collegiate recreation, military recreation, outdoor recreation and education, university teaching, and leisure and recreation program development and evaluation. Coaching Education prepares professionals to promote this outcome across youth, interscholastic, intercollegiate, Olympic and professional sports settings. Physical Education/Teacher Education works to prepare professionals to promote this outcome within the context of Pre-Kindergarten through Grade-12 schooling.
Supportive learning environments that encourage academic excellence are recognized in focused graduate education and distinctive undergraduate programs. The Department is committed to the creation, enhancement, and dissemination of both theoretical and practical knowledge through its logical distinct program areas. Faculty members are fully engaged in active teaching and learning experiences for students through a strong application focus that serves the region.