COLLEGE STATION – Dr. Carson Watt notes quite a bit of contrast the role recreation, parks and tourism plays in today’s society compared to when he first began his career more than 30 years ago.
Though the importance of recreation for the health and well-being of individuals is now well documented through research and practice, “communities, states and countries now recognize recreation amenities and natural resources are important for the health of their economy, too,” he said.
Since 1993, Watt has served as associate department head of Texas Cooperative Extension’s Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences at Texas A&M University, and effective Sept. 1, he will officially retire.
“I’ve enjoyed my career with both the department of recreation, park and tourism sciences and Texas Cooperative Extension,” Watt said. “I came into this field just as A&M and Extension began to recognize the importance of recreation in society.
“(Recreation, park and tourism) has manifested itself in many ways, for the individual and in shaping the character and ambiance of communities and places.”
Watt served as interim department head from 1989 to 1993, and was the program leader in recreation and parks from 1974-1989. He has also served as area resource development specialist-commercial recreation and parks from 1969-1972 and 1973-1974.
He has served as the director of tribal enterprises for the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Reservation (1972-1973) and as the educational attaché and media supervisor, Program de Educacion Ineramericana, for Texas A&M and the Bryan Independent School District (1968-1969).
Among the many awards Watt has received throughout his career, most recently he was part of a team that won the 2002 Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals Team Award for developing the Natural Resources Leadership Course for Extension agents. He was also recognized in July by the Texas Festivals and Events Association, with the naming of the Dr. Carson E. Watt Educator Award, which is given annually by the association.
Other awards include Educator of the Year in 1998 by the Texas Recreation and Parks Society and induction into the Hall of Honor of the Texas Festivals and Events Association in 1996. Extension awarded him a Superior Service Award in 1995 and in 1991, Watt received Extension’s Special Recognition for Leadership. The award was given for his work in coordinating issue-based programs in economic development.
“What I have enjoyed most during my career is working with people and helping communities define their aspirations, as well as learning how recreation, park and tourism can contribute to the accomplishment of their goals,” Watt said.
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