Curriculum Vitae

Troy Bennett
University of Utah College of Health
Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Recreation
Parks, Recreation, and Tourism
1901 East South Campus Drive, Room 1085
Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
(801) 597-6179
troy.bennett@utah.edu

EDUCATION

May 2019 Doctor of Philosophy (anticipated)

Parks, Recreation, and Tourism
University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT

September 2009 Master of Business Administration

Management and Strategy
Western Governors University, Salt Lake City, UT

August 1998 Bachelor of Science

Parks, Recreation, and Tourism
University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT

EMPLOYMENT

2017 - Graduate Research Assistant

Social Research Institute, University of Utah
 Assist in the evaluation of federal grant projects being implemented
by non-profit organizations and local government agencies.
 Collect, analyze, and report on data related to project outcomes.

2012 - Graduate Teaching Assistant

Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, University of Utah
 Serve as the instructor of record for multiple courses
 Create and develop online courses and curriculums.

2012 - 2016 Graduate Research Assistant

American Camp Association, Martinsville, Indiana
 Facilitate the collection of survey-based data using SurveyMonkey.
 Create and manage databases using SPSS and Excel.
 Report descriptive statistics and results for practitioner use.
2004 - 2012 Parks and Recreation Director
City of South Salt Lake, Utah
 Direct the management of parks, open space, community facilities,
and city sponsored recreation programs.
 Lead the implementation of youth and adult sports, afterschool
programs, community events, and community initiatives.
 Develop and manage department revenue and expense budgets.
 Secure grant funding through federal and local government agencies.
 Advocate for benefits of Parks and Recreation programming to city
administrators, department heads, and city council members.
 Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate staff.

2001 - 2004 Director

Utah Federation for Youth, Salt Lake City, Utah
 Direct business activities of non-profit organization.
 Lead positive youth development programs for underserved youth.
 Coordinate community coalitions and non-traditional partnerships.
 Secure grant funding through private foundations, corporations, and
federal and local government agencies.
 Supervise staff, AmeriCorps NCCC teams, and community volunteers.

1998 - 2001 Director of Alpine Programs

SPLORE, Salt Lake City, Utah
 Direct the planning and implementation of Nordic skiing and rock-
climbing programs for at-risk youth and people with disabilities.
 Assist with planning and preparation of special events.
 Coordinate cooperative relationships with businesses, government
agencies, and community service organizations.
 Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers.

1997 - 1999 Psychiatric Technician

Primary Children’s Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
 Supervise youth in substance abuse and behavior modification
residential treatment center.
 Work with clinical team to help youth achieve treatment goals.
 Act as support and liaison for families, social workers, and counselors.

1996 - 1997 Activity Leader

Camp Kostopulos, Salt Lake City, Utah
 Lead activities for children with disabilities in after-school program.
 Accompany adults with disabilities on recreational activities.
SCHOLARSHIP

Peer Reviewed Publications

Bennett, T. (2018). Including the youth perspective: The development of the CPQA camper
survey. Journal of Youth Development, 13(1-2), 266-285.

Dustin, D., Wilson, C., Bennett, T., & Verbos, R. (2017). Writing for publication. Schole: A
Journal of Leisure Studies and Recreation Education, 32(2), 158-164.

Bennett, T. (2016). Research to practice: The application of research results to program

improvement across afterschool, camp, and community recreation programs.
Schole: A Journal of Leisure Studies and Recreation Education, 31(2), 11-25.

Garst, B., Gagnon, R., & Bennett, T. (2016). Parent anxiety causes and consequences:
Perspectives from camp program providers. LARNet: The Cyber Journal of Applied
Leisure and Recreation Research, 18(1), 22-39.

Dustin, D., Zajchowski, C., Lackey, Q., Tysor, D., Pagano, K., Bennett, T., & Taylor, M. (in
press). Libertarian paternalism and the park, recreation, and tourism profession.
Journal of Park and Recreation Administration.

Bennett, T. (in review). Investigating the influence of gender, age, and camp type on the
outcome achievements of youth under ten years of age at summer camp. Journal of
Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership.

Peer Reviewed Presentations

Bennett, T. (2018, February). Investigating Perceptions of Change in Friendship Skills Across

Camper Gender and Type of Camp. Poster presented at the American Camp
Association National Research Forum, Orlando, FL. Abstract retrieved from
https://www.acacamps.org/resource-library/research/camp-research-
symposiums

Bennett, T. (2017, February). Investigating the effects of camp program quality on outcome
achievement across gender and ethnicity. Paper presented at the American Camp
Association National Research Forum, Albuquerque, NM. Abstract retrieved from
http://www.acacamps.org/resource-library/research/camp-research-symposiums

Bennett, T., & Pedersen, A. (2015, February). CIT program improvement project. Paper
presented at the American Camp Association National Research Forum, New
Orleans, LA. Abstract retrieved from http://www.acacamps.org/resource-
library/research/camp-research-symposiums
Sibthorp, J., Bennett, T., & Bialeschki, M.D. (2015, February). Assessing camper outcomes
and program quality with ACA tools: Data and implications from 2014. Paper
presented at the American Camp Association National Research Forum, New
Orleans, LA. Abstract retrieved from http://www.acacamps.org/resource-
library/research/camp-research-symposiums

Sibthorp, J., Bennett, T., & Bialeschki, M.D. (2014, February). Youth outcomes battery (YOB)
counselor and parent perception versions. Paper presented at the American Camp
Association National Research Forum, Orlando, FL. Abstract retrieved from
http://www.acacamps.org/resource-library/research/camp-research-symposiums

Bennett, T. (2014, March). Bridging the gap: Integrating research into practice and quality
improvement in out-of-school time programs. Paper presented at the Utah
Recreation and Parks Association Intermountain Leisure Symposium, St. George, UT.

Fine, S.M., Bialeschki, M.D., & Bennett, T. (2014, October). Summer camp and the
advancement of global citizenship: An international study. Paper presented at the
10th International Camping Congress International Research Forum, Antalya,
Turkey.

Books and Book Chapters

Bialeschki, M.D., Fine, S.M., & Bennett, T. (2016). The camp experience: Learning through
the outdoors. In Humberstone, B., Prince, H., & Henderson, K. (Eds.). International
handbook of outdoor studies. United Kingdom: Routledge.

Other Publications and Presentations

Frei, E., Bennett, T., Lackey, Q., Meerts-Brandsma, L., Zajchowski, C., & Bricker, K. (2017,
February). Auditing the Annex: A case study of campus recycling practices. Poster
presented at the Global Change & Sustainability Center Research Symposium, Salt
Lake City, UT.

Bennett, T. (2016, September/October). Highlights of the 2016 compensation, benefits,

and professional development survey. Camping Magazine, 89(5), 52-55. Retrieved
from http://www.acacamps.org/news-publications/publications/camping-
magazine/2016-september-october-camping-magazine

Bialeschki, M.D., & Bennett, T. (2016, February). Program quality with staff best practices
in mind. Presentation at the American Camp Association National Conference,
Atlanta, GA.
Bennett, T. (2016, January 7). Tree campus USA: Recognizing the past, committing to the
future [Web log post]. Retrieved from
https://sustainableutah.wordpress.com/2016/01/07/tree-campus-usa-
recognizing-the-past-committing-to-the-future/

Bennett, T. (2015 September/October). Show us the money. Camping Magazine, 88(5), 44-
47. Retrieved from http://www.acacamps.org/resource-library/camping-
magazine/show-us-money

Bennett, T. (2014). Fall 2014 camp enrollment and staff recruitment survey. Retrieved from
American Camp Association website:
http://www.acacamps.org/research/improve/enrollment-recruitment-survey

Bennett, T. (2014 March/April). Enrollment highlights from summer 2013. Camping

Magazine, 87(2), 44-45. Retrieved from http://www.acacamps.org/news-
publications/publications/camping-magazine/2014-march-april-camping-
magazine

Bennett, T., & Bialeschki, M.D. (2014 September/October). Creating a picture: Sites,
facilities, and programs of ACA camps. Camping Magazine, 87(5), 56-59. Retrieved
from http://www.acacamps.org/news-publications/publications/camping-
magazine/2014-september-october-camping-magazine

Bennett, T., & Bialeschki, M.D. (2013 March/April). What directors want to know about
2012 summer enrollment! Camping Magazine, 86(2), 54-59. Retrieved from
http://www.acacamps.org/resource-library/articles/what-directors-want-know-
about-2012-summer-enrollment

Bennett, T., & Garst, B.A. (2013 September/October). Paying enough and training right! A
snapshot of salary, benefits, and professional development practices in camps.
Camping Magazine, 86(5), 56. Retrieved from http://www.acacamps.org/news-
publications/publications/camping-magazine/2013-september-october-camping-
magazine

Bennett, T. (2012). Staff practices of high quality youth programs. Briefing paper prepared
for the American Camp Association. Retrieved from
http://www.acacamps.org/resource-library/research/aca-briefing-papers

Grants and Funding

Academic Career – University of Utah

Summer Research Project Bennett (PI) 2016, 2017, 2018

Charlotte Observer Summer Camp Fund $2,700
Title: Youth Outcomes Study
 Description: Assist camps receiving scholarship funding from the Charlotte
Observer Summer Camp Fund to administer surveys to campers to measure
achievement of outcomes related to literacy and positive youth development.

Student Service-Learning Grant Bennett & Pope 6/01/16 – 12/01/16

Sustainable Campus Initiative Fund (SCIF) $1,000
Title: Landscape & Open Space Corridor Plan
Description: To develop a plan, for a west-side south campus open space corridor
that will be completed by Facilities Management.

Summer Research Project Bennett (PI) 4/01/15 - 2/28/17

American Camp Association Not For Profit Council $1,500
Title: Investigating Camper and Staff Perceptions of Program Quality
Description: Investigate perceptions of program quality across camp directors,
camp staff, and youth campers.

Student Service-Learning Grant Bennett & Gatti 4/25/14 - 6/30/14

Sustainable Campus Initiative Fund (SCIF) $10,797
Title: Tree Campus USA – Service-Learning Project and Arbor Day Observance
Description: Fund a student service-learning project to replace an area of lawn on
campus with a low-water landscape including new irrigation, trees, and shrubs.
Completing this project fulfilled one of the eligibility requirements for the
University of Utah to apply for recognition as a Tree Campus USA through the
Arbor Day Foundation. Project details are available in the 2013-2014 SCIF
Annual Report (p. 21). Retrieved from http://sustainability.utah.edu/resource-
center/get-involved/sustainable-campus-fund-about.php

Professional Career – City of South Salt Lake

21st Century Community Learning Center grants 2008-2012

Utah State office of Education $1,000,000
Description: Establish and operate CLC afterschool programs at Wilson Elem,
Lincoln Elem, Granite Park Jr High, and the Hser Ner Moo Center.

AmeriCorps State Grant 2009-2010

Utah Commission on Volunteers $130,000
Description: Administer an AmeriCorps program placing volunteers in afterschool
and community programs.

Applied Science, Technology, and Engineering (ASTEC) Camps grant 2008-2009

Utah State Science Advisor’s office $ 7,000
Description: Conduct CSI-themed summer science camps at Granite Park Jr High.

Blue Sky Grant 2009-2010

Rocky Mountain Power $ 65,360
Description: Install solar panels and inverters at the Columbus Community Center.
CCJJ Crime Prevention and Gang-Mini Grants 2005-2008
Utah Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice $145,000
Description: Crime prevention grants for Wilson Afterschool Program, and Gang-
mini grant for the PAL Boxing Center.

Edward Byrne Memorial Fund 2009-2012

US Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention $500,000
Description: Establish and operate out-of-school time programs at the PAL Center.

Fund for the Improvement of Education 2009-2012

US Department of Education $100,000
Description: Establish and operate afterschool program at Villa Franche Apts.

Energy Efficiency Block Grant 2011-2012

Utah State Energy Program $249,796
Description: Expand solar panel array at the Columbus Center, retro-fit lighting
fixtures at Columbus and the PAL Center, re-commission HVAC at PAL Center.

G.R.E.A.T. Program grants 2006-2010

US Office of Justice $418,00
Description: Purchase police car and equipment for Gang Resistance Education And
Treatment program, fund officer time for program at Granite Park Jr High.

Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) – ARRA Federal Stimulus Block Grant Program 2009-2010
Utah Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice $194,000
Description: Fund program coordinator position at PAL Center and fund
Community Service position in Parks to clean up graffiti and public spaces.

Safe Passages grant program 2009-2012

Utah Department of Workforce Services $ 99,000
Description: Fund afterschool program at Granite Park Jr High

Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) 2009-2011

Salt Lake County $240,000
Description: Create a dog park, renovate playgrounds, complete park
improvements, create an open-space trailhead.

Social Service Block Grants (SSBG) 2009-2012

Salt Lake County $110,000
Description: Expand afterschool program at Lincoln Elem.

Title II federal grant program 2008-2012

Utah Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice $165,000
Description: Establish and operate afterschool program at Lincoln Elem.
Title V federal grant program 2005-2008
Utah Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice $147,488
Description: Establish and operate Granite Park Jr High Youth Development Project.

United Way Welcome Center Grants 2011-2012

United Way of Greater Salt Lake $395,000
Description: Establish and operate programming for refugee and immigrant youth
and families at the Hser Ner Moo Center and Wilson Elem.

Youth Connections grant program 2007-2012

Utah Department of Workforce Services $210,000
Afterschool programs at Wilson Elem, Lincoln Elem, and the Hser Ner Moo Center.

Zoo, Arts, and Parks (ZAP) grant program 2007-2012

Salt Lake County $850,000
Description: Tier II funding in support of community murals and community events.
Tier I funding for renovations and improvements at Pioneer Craft House.

Professional Career – Utah Federation for Youth

Drug-Free Communities Support Grant 2003-2004

Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention $100,000
Description: Support prevention activities for youth in the City of South Salt Lake.

Environmental Justice Grant 2003-2004

US Environmental Protection Agency $ 65,000
Description: 900 South Rail Line Hazardous Materials Information Project. Youth
led documentation of hazardous materials being transported by train on a re-
opened railway cutting through a low-income and socially diverse neighborhood.

Investing in the Community grants 2002-2004

George S. and Delores Doré Eccles Foundation $ 15,000
Description: Support out-of-school time programming on the west-side of SLC.

REI Community Grant 2003-2004

Recreational Equipment, Inc. $ 5,000
Description: Purchase new tents and equipment for the WOW – Wonderful Outdoor
World urban camping program and the PeaceTrees service-learning program.

Professional Career – SPLORE

REI Community Grant 1999

Recreational Equipment, Inc. $ 750
Description: Fund scholarships for low-income youth to attend rock climbing
lessons held in Big Cottonwood Canyon.
TEACHING

University of Utah

PRT 3207 – Management in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism

Summer 2017 (online); Developed new online course Summer/Fall 2018
Course Description: Systematic approach to management in the hospitality
industry. Students analyze contemporary issues, practices, and trends that
transform the way employees in the hospitality industry are managed.

PRT 3610 – The Global Citizen: Responsible Travel and International Life
Summer 2014 (online); Summer 2015 (online); Fall 2016 (online)
Course Description: This course serves as a guide for international travelers and
those desiring a career in the global marketplace. Students will learn to make
responsible choices when planning and engaging in travel experiences regardless of
the purpose of the international trip. The course will foster ongoing connections
that build understanding and bridge culture differences, compassionate listening,
conflict resolution and other skills necessary to promote cross-culture
communication and responsible travel.

PRT 3780 – Program and Service Evaluation in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism
Summer 2016
Course Description: Methods of evaluation and research in parks, recreation, and
tourism. Includes investigation of a variety of approaches to research and
evaluation, including use of surveys, cost-benefit analyses, importance by
performance analysis, personnel evaluation, data processing and analysis, and
display and interpretation of data.

PRT 5395 – Financial Management in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism

Fall 2015; Fall 2016 (online); Summer 2017; Fall 2017 (face-to-face and online);
Fall 2018 (face-to-face and online)
Course Description: Financial analysis, working capital management, budgeting,
risk/return, cost of capital, and dividend policy in park, recreation and tourism
agencies and businesses.

PRT 5480 / 6480 – The Business of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism

Spring 2016; Developed new online course Spring/Summer 2017
Course Description: This course examines the quantitative and analytical
techniques used in commercial recreation, tourism, and hospitality enterprise
planning and management. Students develop a feasibility study, which includes
conceptualization, regulatory analysis, market analysis, location analysis, financial
analysis, and recommended strategy.

PRT 5495 – Government & Nonprofits

Spring 2018; Developed new online course Spring/Summer 2018
 Course Description: This course is designed to introduce students to the
governmental and nonprofit sectors and provide them with the foundation
knowledge they need to understand their role and purpose of in contemporary
American society and more specifically in the Parks, Recreation, and Tourism
profession. Students will learn what distinguishes these sectors from commercial
businesses and government, with particular attention given to mission, organization
structure, funding, and culture.

SERVICE

Academia

2017-2108 Invited Reviewer, Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership

2017 Invited Reviewer, Journal of Park and Recreation Administration

Institution

2014 - University of Utah Campus Tree Committee (Co-founder)

2012 - 2017 Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Department Student Advisory Committee,
Sustainability Committee (Committee Chair 2013-2015)

2017 - 2018 Associated Students of the University of Utah (ASUU)

Sustainability Committee

Community

2002 - 2003 KRCL 90.9 Day In The Park Committee

2003 - 2012 Board Member, Community Advisory Board

University of Utah, College of Social Work

2007 - 2014 Board Member, South Salt Lake Police Athletic/Activities League
(Board President 2010)

2009 - 2018 Member, South Lake Rotary Club

(President 2012-2013)

2010 - Member, South Salt Lake Lions Club

(President 2016-2017; Treasurer 2017 -present)
HONORS

2018 Higher Education Teaching Specialist

Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence, University of Utah

2016 Dr Linn R. Rockwood Endowed Scholarship

Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Department, University of Utah

2016 Inspirational Student Award

Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Department, University of Utah

2016 Alta Sustainability Leadership, Campus Living Lab Award nominee

Sustainability Office, University of Utah

2014 URPA Intermountain Leisure Symposium Student Abstract Competition

Utah Recreation and Parks Association

2009 Power of 3 Award, City of South Salt Lake Recreation Department

2008 Chief’s Award, City of South Salt Lake Police Department

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
2005 – 2012 Member, National Recreation and Parks Association

2012 - Student Member, National Recreation and Parks Association

2012 - Student Member, American Camp Association

2013 - Student Member, Utah Recreation and Parks Association

2014 - Student Member, International Society of Arboriculture

2014 - Student Member, Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education

CERTIFICATIONS
2018 - Certified Park and Recreation Professional, National Recreation and Park
Association, Ashburn, VA

2011 - Certified Arborist, International Society of Arboriculture, Champaign, IL

2000 - 2012 First Aid and CPR Instructor, American Red Cross
2001 - 2004 Wilderness First Responder, Wilderness Medicine Institute
1998 - 2001 Certified River Guide, Utah
1997 - 2000 Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician, Utah

REFERENCES

Kelly Bricker, Ph.D.

Professor and Director, Parks, Recreation, and Tourism
University of Utah College of Health
Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Recreation
1901 E South Campus Drive, Rm 1085
Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
801-581-8542
kelly.bricker@health.utah.edu
www.health.utah.edu/prt/

M. Deborah Bialeschki, Ph.D.

Professor Emeritus, UNC-Chapel Hill
Senior Researcher
American Camp Association
5000 State Road 67 North 2419 Spruce Ave.
Martinsville, Indiana 46151-7902 Estes Park, CO 80517 (direct mail)
765-342-8456 765-349-3318 (direct)
dbialeschki@acacamps.org
www.acacamps.org

Kyle Kershaw
Finance Director
City of South Salt Lake
220 East Morris Avenue
South Salt Lake, Utah 84115
801-483-6000
kkershaw@southsaltlakecity.com
www.southsaltlakecity.com

(Ms.) Neel Stallings

The Charlotte Observer Summer Camp Fund
P.O. Box 37269
Charlotte, NC 28237-7269
704-609-6037
scfobserver@gmail.com
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/living/helping-others/summer-camp-fund/