Hallmon’s collaborative research of recreation issues addresses diversity, profession-based learning

Dr. Augustus Hallmon, an assistant professor of recreation in Northwest Missouri State University's School of Health Science and Wellness, is concluding a successful year of research with the publication of three articles and a book chapter to go with his participation in a diversity and inclusion workshop.

Hallmon’s research accomplishments are highlighted by his paper, “Black Mothers’ Recreational Choices for Their Children: A Critical Race Theory Story,” which examines how race influences Black mothers’ recreational choices for children. The paper is published in Annals of Leisure Research.   

“I want readers to gain a sense of a different perspective and worldview from their own,” Hallmon said. “Seeing the world from a different pair of eyes can be illuminating to their experiences and how their experiences have shaped how they see the world around them.” 

Additionally, Hallmon and Northwest Professor of Recreation Dr. Susan Myllykangas co-authored “A Profession-Based Learning Approach to Teaching Contemporary Parks and Recreation Students,” published in the Journal of Leisure Studies and Recreation Education. That research paper offers faculty a profession-based model to effectively meet the desired learning styles of contemporary students.

Hallmon and Myllykangas, with Assistant Professor of Recreation Dr. Michelle Bateman, also published “What to do with Interns During the COVID-19 Pandemic,” in Missouri Parks and Recreation Magazine.

Furthermore, Hallmon co-authored a book chapter, titled “The Intersection of Leisure and Racial Socialization to Promote Positive Practices,” in “Positive Sociology of Leisure.” The book chapter discusses how the concept of racial socialization could be used in providing positive concepts of leisure.

As a panelist for the Illinois Park and Recreation Association’s diversity and inclusion workshop, he trained and advised recreational professionals and programmers on approaches to make recreational programs more diverse and inclusive.

Hallmon’s research is inspired by his interests in helping more Black children engage with parks and recreation. Although he has been passionate about recreation since his childhood, he was raised in a household that did not encourage going to parks.

“Once I got into college, I said, ‘How can I be a person that encourages and motivates people that look like me or children that looked like me to go into parks and recreation programs?” Hallmon said.

Hallmon joined the Northwest faculty in 2016 after completing his Ph.D.  in recreation, sport, and tourism at the University of Illinois. His academic interests include positive youth development within recreation, marginalized youth, out-of-school recreation activities and community recreation.