Education
BS in Outdoor Recreation Houghton College,
MS in Recreation and Leisure Studies University of Georgia,
PhD in Recreation and Leisure Studies University of Georgia
Scholarly Contributions
Brent D. Wolfe, PhD, LRT, CTRS, FDRT has made sustained contributions to the recreational therapy literature through both writing and presentation. His work focuses on leadership, pedagogy, and therapeutic interventions, with an emphasis on practical application. He has authored or co-authored 15+ peer-reviewed journal articles, 12+ book chapters, and 3 books, along with numerous professional publications. In addition, he has delivered over 150 presentations across international, national, regional, and state conferences. Together, these contributions reflect a consistent effort to share knowledge, translate research into practice, and support the ongoing development of the field.
Featured Publications
Thomas, A., Mueller, K. E., Wolfe, B. D., & Whaley, D. (2026). Recreational therapy students’ perspectives of a class time fieldwork experience for adolescents engaged in health-risk behaviors. American Journal of Recreation Therapy, 26(1), 15–23. https://doi.org/10.5055/ajrt.0318
Thomas, A. Mueller, K., Wolfe, B., Kim, M., & Hoeft, O. (2024). Recreational therapy students’ class time fieldwork experiences: A phenomenological qualitative analysis. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 58, 257-271.
Stumbo, N. J., Wolfe, B. D., Pegg, S. (Eds.) (2017). Professional issues in Therapeutic Recreation: On competence and outcomes. Urbana, IL: Sagamore Publishing.
Leadership & Professional Service
Brent D. Wolfe, PhD, LRT, CTRS, FDRT has demonstrated extensive leadership across national, regional, and international organizations that shape the recreational therapy profession. His service includes leadership roles with the American Therapeutic Recreation Association as Member-at-Large, Treasurer, and Executive Director, as well as prior service as President of the National Therapeutic Recreation Society. He has contributed regionally through board service with the Southeast Recreational Therapy Symposium and has supported community-based initiatives as a board member for Camp Blue Skies and through committee work with AbilityPath. Dr. Wolfe has also influenced accreditation and global collaboration as a Commissioner for CAAHEP and through involvement with international coalitions advancing recreational therapy.
Professional Awards & Recognition
Brent D. Wolfe, PhD, LRT, CTRS, FDRT has received recognition for excellence in teaching, research, and service within recreational therapy and higher education. He has been honored with the Faculty Excellence in Research and Creative Activity Award and received Best Poster and Best Presentation awards at multiple professional conferences. His scholarly contributions were recognized with the Ann James Award for Best Paper at the Southeast Recreational Therapy Symposium. Dr. Wolfe was named a Distinguished Fellow of the National Academy of Recreational Therapists. He has also been nominated multiple times for the Outstanding Teaching Award at the University of North Carolina Greensboro, reflecting his ability to challenge, engage, and prepare students for professional practice