Wayne Means

Wayne Means is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Recreation Management and Therapeutic Recreation at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, where he teaches courses such as RTH 701 (Philosophical Foundations of Leisure), RTH 494 (Research Methods), and MIND 110 (Introduction to Mindfulness). He holds a Ph.D. in Leisure Behavior from Indiana University (2021), an M.S. in Therapeutic Recreation from UW-La Crosse (2015), and a B.S. in Kinesiology from IUPUI (2012).

His research focuses on the philosophical underpinnings of leisure studies, particularly epistemological anarchism (influenced by Paul Feyerabend), constructive developmental theory (Robert Kegan), and meaning-making in therapeutic recreation. He investigates how cognitive development influences outcomes in adventure therapy and how dominant research paradigms shape leisure scholarship.

Dr. Means' recent publications explore evidence-based practice in recreational therapy, mindfulness curricula for traumatic brain injury recovery, and inclusive camp programming for individuals with disabilities. His work appears in journals such as Leisure/Loisir, American Journal of Recreation Therapy, and Therapeutic Recreation Journal. He co-developed the RT Open Eagles initiative to promote open-access evidence-based resources for practitioners.

He has been recognized for his scholarship, including being named an At-Large Member of The Academy of Leisure Sciences Board of Directors in 2023. He has presented at national conferences and has been interviewed on experiential education and research in academia.

• Scientific Awards:
• At-Large Member, The Academy of Leisure Sciences (TALS) Board of Directors (2023)

Dr. Means advises graduate students in capstone projects and integrates research into pedagogy. He has led curriculum development efforts, particularly in mindfulness and evidence-based practice. He is also involved in veteran-focused therapeutic programs like the Ladder UPP initiative. His research is supported by academic collaborations and institutional resources at UW-La Crosse.

He is affiliated with active research networks and maintains a presence on ResearchGate, contributing to scholarly discourse in recreation therapy, leisure philosophy, and therapeutic interventions. His work bridges theory, research, and practice in the field of therapeutic recreation.