Brent L. Hawkins

Brent L. Hawkins, PhD, LRT, CTRS, FDRT is a Professor and Recreation Therapy Program Coordinator at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW). He earned his doctoral degree in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management with a focus on Therapeutic Recreation from Clemson University in 2013. Prior to that, he completed his master’s (2009) and bachelor’s (2006) degrees in Recreational Therapy at East Carolina University.

Dr. Hawkins’s primary research focuses on the functional and quality-of-life outcomes of recreational therapy and other rehabilitation services for civilians and military veterans with service-connected injuries and disabilities. At UNCW and in the surrounding community, he also leads and supports adaptive sports and recreation initiatives aimed at increasing opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in active living through recreation.

In addition to his research and community service, Dr. Hawkins is a prominent leader in the field of recreational therapy. He has spearheaded numerous initiatives for the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) to shape the future of education and professional development in the discipline. His contributions have been widely recognized, earning him the 2016 ATRA Scholarly Achievement Award, two ATRA Presidential Citations, and the 2015 and 2018 ATRA Excellence in Education Award.
Dr. Hawkins has served on the Southeast Recreational Therapy Symposium Board of Directors since 2019 and was inducted into the National Academy of Recreational Therapists in 2021. He currently serves on the North Carolina Board of Recreational Therapy Licensure.

Education

PhD - Clemson University; Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management (Therapeutic Recreation Emphasis)
MS - East Carolina University; Recreational Therapy Administration
BS - East Carolina University; Recreational Therapy

Research Interests

Recovery and reintegration of military personnel/veterans with disabilities following military service
Adaptive sports and recreation
Higher education in Recreation Therapy

Professional Service

Board Member for the North Carolina Board of Recreational Therapy Licensure
Chair of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association's Higher Education Committee
American Therapeutic Recreation Association Standards for the Practice of Recreational Therapy Trainer

Community Engagement

Wheel Serve, NC (wheelchair tennis)
City of Wilmington (wheelchair basketball)

Honors & Awards

Outstanding Alumnus Award in Academia; Clemson University; Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management (2023)
Inducted as a Fellow into the National Academy of Recreational Therapists (2021)
UNCW Office of Research and Innovation - Certificate of Recognition - Highest Number of Peer-Reviewed Publications (2020-2021)
American Therapeutic Recreation Association Presidential Citation (2018)
American Therapeutic Recreation Association Excellence in Education Award (2015, 2018)
American Therapeutic Recreation Association Scholarly Achievement Award (2016)
Southeast Recreational Therapy Symposium Ann James Award of Excellence (2015)
American Therapeutic Recreation Association Partner Certificate of Recognition (2014)