Gary Ellis

Gary Ellis is Professor and Bradberry Chair in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications. He joined the faculty of Texas A&M in 2008 and served two terms as Head of the Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences. He served on the faculty of the University of Utah from 1985 through 2008, including 12 years as department head. He was assistant professor at Western Kentucky University faculty from 1983-1985. Dr. Ellis is a Fellow in the Academy of Leisure Sciences, the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, and the World Leisure Organization. Among the many leadership positions he has served are President of the Academy of Leisure Sciences; President of the Society of Park and Recreation Educators; Treasurer of the Academy of Leisure Sciences; Vice-Chair of the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism, and Related Professions; and Board member of the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration. He also has served a number of community service roles, most recently as Treasurer of Experience Bryan-College Station. His research focuses on the quality of immediate, point-of-service experiences of tourists, youth, and park visitors. Dr. Ellis has an extensive history of scientific publications, presentations, workshops, and keynote addresses on immediate experiences. He has generated over four million dollars of funding through contracts, grants, innovative projects, and collaborative initiatives.