RPTM Team Roster: Jen Emigh (’01) | Penn State College of Health and Human Development

Jen Emigh's Stats

Title

Assistant Teaching Professor and Director of Aurora Programs

Teams

Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management
Shaver's Creek Environmental Center

Education

2001 B.S. in Recreation and Park Management, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania

2007 M.S. in Environmental Studies, Antioch University, Keene, New Hampshire

Hometown

I am from the birthplace of Memorial Day! That's right, Boalsburg, PA. I was born and raised in Happy Valley by two Penn State alums. Let's just say the love for PSU runs deep.

Area of Research, Teaching, and/or Service in RPTM

Outdoor Leadership
Adventure Education
Outdoor Expeditions

How did you find RPTM and your career path?

I still remember to this day going to my undergraduate adviser's office feeling lost, not knowing what I wanted to do for a career, let alone a major. She asked me thoughtful questions about how I wanted to spend my days. I said I wanted to LOVE what I do, add value to this world, and spend time outdoors. She said she had just the major for me... RPM (the program was then called Recreation and Park Management), and the rest is history.

What is your favorite college memory?

My favorite college memory might be the Great Smokey Mountains Consortium trip with Al Graefe (RPTM faculty member). It was a pivotal moment of adventuring with friends and a faculty member, meeting professionals in the field, and getting a real life glimpse of what this profession looked like in the "real world". Plus they serve the BEST granola at Treemont, I still have the recipe and make it to this day.

What do you like to do in your leisure time?

Skiing, road tripping in our camper van, and attending many youth baseball games to watch my son!

What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

"Find the good and the happiness in the everyday moments." It helps me remember to live in the moment and not constantly be planning for the future, because I might miss the good right in front of me.