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David Vaught named department co-chair

Published August 2008
Story Source: Christine Tew

One year after being named the interim co-chair of the Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department at the University of Missouri, David Vaught is losing the "interim" portion of his title.

Mark Ryan, director of the School of Natural Resources, commended Vaught when making the co-chair announcement.

Ryan also serves as co-chair with Vaught.

"David has done an excellent job in that role, and therefore, effective immediately, I am removing the Interim title," Ryan said. "David and I will continue as co-chairs."

Vaught assumed departmental duties in mid-2007. He followed the legacy of retired department chair C. Randy Vessell, who served for more than 15 years in the role.

Vaught teaches several courses and is an academic adviser in the Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department. He also serves as the director of internships for the department, placing approximately 70 students per year in both domestic and international positions.

As co-chairs, Vaught and Ryan share administrative duties within the department. Ryan will manage the Promotion and Tenure process within the department while Vaught handles all other administrative and leadership duties.

"David will function just as the other department chairs in the School do," Ryan said, "with my role primarily related to tenure and promotion issues."

While teaching at MU, Vaught has participated in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Teaching Scholars and New Faculty Teaching Scholars programs, as well as the Program for Excellence in Teaching.

Vaught completed a doctoral degree in educational leadership and policy analysis in May 2007 from the University of Missouri. He also holds a master of science degree in parks, recreation and tourism and a bachelor of science degree in agriculture from MU.

Before joining the faculty, Vaught held professional positions with the Missouri Department of Transportation and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.