Ariel Rodríguez, PhD
Ariel Rodríguez, PhD
Associate Professor of Recreation Industries and Therapeutic Recreation
- Doctor of Philosophy, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich., 2006
- Master of Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich., 2002
- Bachelor of Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla., 1999
Ariel Rodríguez is driven by a desire to serve humanity through education. He believes recreation and sport professions are in a unique position to tackle real-world challenges throughout the world and has worked to ensure his courses reflect this through a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical application. His interactions with learners, communities, and world issues have all shaped his teaching philosophy. Rodríguez designs his courses guided by the tenets of experiential learning, exposing learners to the complexities of real-world challenges and helping them to develop recreation-based solutions to these challenges.
Research Interests
- Leisure and recreation
- Community recreation
- Recreation programming and special events
- Video gaming and esports
- Quality of life
Courses Taught
- SMRT 103 - Introduction to the Global Recreation Industry
- SMRT 110 - Introduction to Esports and Gaming
- SMRT 114 - Leisure in Modern Society
- SMRT 117 - Special Events
- SMRT 224 - Advanced Topics in Esports and Gaming
- SMRT 482 - Seminar in Recreation Industries and Therapeutic Recreation
Selected Works
Presentations
- Rodríguez, A. (2024, November 5). Leveling Up: Venba as a Lens for Second-Generation Immigrant Experiences. 2024 SEAT at the Table, Springfield, MA, United States.
- Rodríguez, A. (2024, November 11). Quest for fun: Designing multi-layered recreation experiences inspired by video games. Longmeadow, MA, United States.
- Rodríguez, A. (2023, November 11). Navigating the Latino Assumption. 2023 SEAT at the Table, Springfield, MA, United States.
- Rodríguez, A., & Middleton, W. (2023, March 28). Beyond Fortnite: Gaming options for programs. 2023 MRPA State Conference and Exhibit Hall, Norwood, MA, United States.
- Gilmour, H., Rodríguez, A., Middleton, W. (2022, February 4). Mutually beneficial partnerships: Diversifying experience for students, and faculty through community-action research. Commission on Sport Management Accreditation 2022 Conference, Houston, TX, United States.
- Accorsi, B, & Rodríguez, A. (2020, March 25-27). Esport: The future of recreation? [Conference session]. Massachusetts Recreation and Park Association 35th State Conference and Trade Show, Falmouth, MA, United States. https://massrpa.org/annual-conference/ (Conference canceled)
- White, J., & Rodríguez, A. (2020, March 11-13). Intentional community development: RBI. RBI Institute, Springfield, MA, United States.
Publications
- Rodríguez, A., & Nunes, C. (2022). Program and services management. In Management of park and recreation agencies (5th ed). National Recreation and Park Association.
- Rodríguez, A., (2022). Leisure and quality of life. In Dimensions of leisure for life: Individuals and society (2nd ed). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
- Ross, A., Rodríguez, A., Searle, M. (2017) Associations between the physical, socio-cultural, and safety environments and active transportation to school. American Journal of Health Education, 3, 198-209.
- Rodríguez, A. (2016). The Latino Institute: An equitable recreation program in the City of Phoenix. In I. Schneider & B. D. Kivel (Eds.), Diversity and inclusion in the recreation profession: Organizational perspectives (3rd ed.). Urbana, IL: Sagamore Publishing.
- Pstross, M., Rodríguez, A., Knopf, R., & Paris, C. (2014). Empowering Latino parents to transform the education of their children. Education and Urban Society, 48(7), 650-671.
- Rodríguez, A., Ramirez, C., Rodriguez, L. (2014). The City of Phoenix Latino Institute: Bridging the gap between community needs and services. Journal of Park and Recreation Administration, 32(2), 62-72.
