LeeAnn Powell

Contact Information

Biography

After graduating from Utah State University with a Bachelor's Degree I attended University of Oregon and got a Master's Degree in Leisure Studies and Services.  I returned to Utah and started my career working for Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation as a coordinator at the old Magna Recreation Center.  This was followed by 22 years as the Recreation Director in Clinton, Utah.  I returned to Salt Lake County for 3 1/2 years and then took my current role as Executive Director of our statewide parks and recreation association (URPA).

Most meaningful thing learned or experienced during my time as a student:

The most meaningful thing I learned at USU as a student, was that Parks and Recreation is a profession.  I had a light bulb moment my first week on campus.  I was wandering through the HPER building and ran into a professor and started up a conversation.  Up until this chance meeting, I was a little lost and didn't know exactly what I wanted to do in my career.  That conversation was with the professor who taught parks and recreation classes and after he described what that was all about, I said "Where do I sign up?".  That conversation was 37 years ago, and it will always be one of the most impactful conversations in my life!

Advice for current students/recent graduates:

Do not be afraid to ask questions and talk to people.  You will have lots of opportunity to meet and associate with folks in the parks and recreation profession, as well as outside the profession.  Take advantage of every opportunity to learn about people, how they have influenced the profession and their greatest take-a-ways on how to be a professional and make an impact.  Listen to what people have to say whether it is your professors, other students, professionals, friends and neighbors.  If you take the time to ask thoughtful questions and listen to the answers you will learn so much!