Sydney Sklar

Dr. Sydney Sklar is a Professor and Department Chair of Recreation and Sport Management at the University of Saint Francis since 2005. He coordinates the Recreation Therapy program and manages the USF Challenge Center, an experiential leadership development initiative. His professional background includes therapeutic recreation practice at Fox Valley Special Recreation Association and Shands at Vista Mental Health Center.

Dr. Sklar holds a B.A. from Albright College, M.S. from Aurora University, and Ph.D. in Health and Human Performance (Therapeutic Recreation specialization) from the University of Florida. His research focuses on adaptive sports accessibility, therapeutic recreation education, youth development through outdoor programs, and community development strategies in recreation agencies. Current projects include assessing outcomes of adaptive snow sports programs for individuals with disabilities in Colorado.

His publications span therapeutic recreation textbooks and peer-reviewed journals like the Therapeutic Recreation Journal and World Leisure Journal. His work emphasizes strengths-based practice, servant leadership pedagogy, and evidence-based interventions. Articles from 2024-2004 consistently address program evaluation, youth development, and community engagement through outdoor and adventure-based approaches.

Dr. Sklar chairs the Council on Accreditation of Recreation, Parks, Tourism and Related Professions, ensuring quality standards in leisure studies education. His professional service includes board roles with state/national associations and presentations at global conferences.