Alison Pedlar - 2008/2009

Alison Pedlar - Recreation and Leisure Studies

Alison Pedlar is known for her community work in recreation and leisure. “People consistently would comment on leaving her sessions feeling heard, valued, inspired and energized by her passion and commitment to improving the quality of life of all members of the community.” She instilled these feelings in her students and organized opportunities for them to do their research work in the same communities. “Over the last fifteen years she led research projects focused on improving the quality of life of people with developmental disabilities, mental illness and women who are incarcerated in our Federal prisons.” She instilled in her students how to disseminate their research by reports, presentations and input from community members and organizations.

Dr. Pedlar was always available for her students. She never opposed ideas but would “ask insightful questions that encouraged critical thinking.” She was always quick at giving feedback and she did it in a very humanitarian way that encouraged students to excel. She helped her students apply for scholarships and to publicize their research. Many of her former students are now teaching and have expressed their gratitude for her “being a tremendous role model.”