Education
BS in Recreational Therapy, East Carolina University;
MS in Recreational Therapy Administration, East Carolina University;
PhD in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management-Therapeutic Recreation Concentration, Clemson University
Scholarly Contributions
Dr. Hawkins has over 50 peer-reviewed publications and 130 professional presentations that primarily focus on recreational therapy with military veterans, recreational therapy education, and other contemporary topics within the field.
Featured Publications
Hawkins, B.L., Whitely, K.L., Purrington, S., Luvaas, E., Vargas, G.B., & *Bentley-Gottel, E. (2023). Towards a better understanding of fieldwork requirements in recreation(al) therapy/therapeutic recreation education. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 57(3), 215-231. https://doi.org/10.18666/TRJ-2023-V57-I3-12000
Hawkins, B.L. & Crowe, B.M. (2018). Injured female service members’ experiences with community reintegration: A qualitative study. Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health, 4(2), 18-27. https://doi.org/10.3138/jmvfh.2017-0020
Hawkins, B.L., Townsend, J.A., & Garst, B.A. (2016). Nature-based recreational therapy for military service members: A strengths approach. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 50(1), 55-74. http://dx.doi.org/10.18666/TRJ-2016-V50-I1-6793
Leadership & Professional Service
Chair, ATRA Higher Education Committee
Board Member (RT Educator), North Carolina Board of Recreational Therapy Licensure
Board Member, Southeast Recreational Therapy Symposium
Chair, ATRA Academic Action Task Force
Co-chair, ATRA Higher Education Task Force
ATRA Standards for the Practice of Recreational Therapy Trainer
Chair, 2022 ATRA Educators’ Institute.
Committee member, Veterans Affairs’ Interagency Task Force on Outdoor Recreation for Veterans
Committee member, ATRA Research Collaborative
Committee member, ATRA Professional Development Team
Chair, ATRA Veterans Treatment Network
Professional Awards & Recognition
2023 Outstanding Alumnus Award in Academia; Clemson University; Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management
2020-2021 – Certificate of Recognition - UNCW Office of Research and Innovation
Elected as a Fellow in the National Academy of Recreational Therapists (NART)
Copyright assertion for Clemson University Research Foundation tech ID #2020-029 “Clemson Football Reminiscence Therapy Program and Materials”
2019-2020 - Clemson University's College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences Award for Excellence in Innovation
2018 - American Therapeutic Recreation Association Excellence in Education Award
2018 - American Therapeutic Recreation Association Presidential Citation for Leadership
2016 - American Therapeutic Recreation Scholarly Achievement Award
2015 - American Therapeutic Recreation Association Excellence in Education Award
2015 - Southeast Recreational Therapy Symposium Ann James Award of Excellence
2014 - American Therapeutic Recreation Association Partner Certificate of Recognition