Ariel Rodríguez

Ariel Rodríguez serves as Program Director of Recreation Management and Associate Professor of Recreation Management at Springfield College, affiliated with the Department of Sport Management and Recreation within the School of Physical Education, Performance and Sport Leadership.

His academic credentials include:

• Doctor of Philosophy from Michigan State University (2006)
• Master of Science from Michigan State University (2002)
• Bachelor of Science from University of Florida (1999)

Driven by a mission to serve humanity through recreation education, Rodríguez designs experiential learning curricula that address real-world challenges through theoretical-practical integration. His pedagogy emphasizes exposing students to complex societal issues while developing recreation-based solutions.

Core research domains include:

• Community recreation systems and accessibility
• Recreation program evaluation methodologies
• Quality of life metrics in leisure contexts
• Recreation experiences of Latin American populations in the United States

Professional recognition encompasses:

• Certified Park and Recreation Professional credential
• Council membership with the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions
• Active participation in The Academy of Leisure Sciences, National Recreation and Park Association, and World Leisure

His teaching portfolio spans Introduction to the Global Recreation Industry, Event Management and Promotions, Leisure in Modern Society, Recreation Program Planning, Practicum in Sport Management and Recreation, and Supervisor Management for Recreation Services.