SEMO'S RECREATION PROGRAM EARNS NATIONAL ACCREDITATION

Southeast Missouri State University's baccalaureate degree program in recreation has received national accreditation.

The accreditation was approved for five years by the National Recreation and Park Association/American Association for Leisure and Recreation Council on Accreditation.

Southeast's recreation program, launched 15 years ago, prepares students for careers in national parks, rehabilitation centers, local park departments and commercial recreation. There are currently about 75 recreation majors enrolled at Southeast, said Edward Leoni, chairman of the health and leisure department.

Southeast's four-year program is one of about 90 that are accredited nationally, Leoni said.