Toni Liechty

Toni Liechty is an Associate Professor in the Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism at the University of Illinois, with a cross-appointment in the Center for Global Studies. She also serves as the Director of Undergraduate Studies, playing a key role in academic leadership and curriculum development. Her work is deeply rooted in understanding how leisure contributes to health, inclusion, and well-being across the lifespan, particularly among older adults, individuals with disabilities, and marginalized communities.

Her research interests span a wide spectrum of topics including aging and leisure, disability inclusion, body image, sport participation in later life, virtual communities, and socioecological influences on physical activity. She employs qualitative, community-engaged, and longitudinal methods to explore how leisure functions as a source of empowerment, resilience, and social connection.

The 15 most recent articles reflect a strong focus on post-pandemic leisure adaptation, inclusive fitness programming, and the role of identity and community in leisure contexts. Her work increasingly examines virtual and hybrid leisure forms (e.g., the Hogwarts Running Club), while maintaining a commitment to real-world applications in parks, recreation, and health promotion. Themes of equity, accessibility, and empowerment recur across her publications.

• One honor listed in Scopus profile (specific name not provided in text)

Liechty is actively engaged in research grants and community partnerships, particularly those focused on disability-inclusive fitness and aging well through leisure. While student advisees are not listed in the provided text, her role as Director of Undergraduate Studies suggests strong mentorship and educational leadership. She collaborates with interdisciplinary teams and community partners to translate research into practice, especially in public health and recreation programming.

Her work is associated with research labs or teams focused on community health, global studies, and leisure behavior, though specific lab names are not mentioned. Her research trajectory indicates a continued emphasis on developing and evaluating interventions that promote equitable access to meaningful leisure experiences.