Without Dr. Michael Teague, the UISRM program would not be built to deliver the life-changing educational offerings that it does. Dr. Teague’s projection for student interest in coursework and careers in sport and recreation coupled with the power of experiential learning provided the foundation on which UISRM’s faculty and students stand today. After Dr. Teague’s and the program’s hard work to earn the respect and support of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, UISRM is continually mentioned as a destination program on campus.

Following his retirement after the 2017-18 academic year, UISRM created the Dr. Michael Teague All-Star Award named after the program’s architect and first director. The award is given to exceptional alumni, faculty, and/or friends of the program for their significant contributions to UISRM and/or the sport and recreation industry. Beginning in fall 2019, recipients are invited to campus and recognized during the UISRM Program Celebration, receiving their award in front of family, friends, students, faculty, and Advisory Board Members. Recipients from 2019 to 2022 include:

On September 17, 2023, Michelle Harder (MA 1984) and Sherri Proud (BS 1991) were welcomed into the elite group of Dr. Michael Teague All-Star Award recipients and recognized at the UISRM Program Celebration. Unique to the fifth group of recipients is that both are former students of Dr. Teague and current professionals in the Iowa City area: Michelle is a Senior Associate Director with UI Recreational Services and Sherri is the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Coralville. In addition to serving students and community members in their roles, Michelle and Sherri provide numerous experiential learning opportunities that allow students to explore, discover, create, and engage on many levels.

Here's what Michelle and Sherri had to say about the award and what Professor Teague means to them.

Comments from Michelle Harder: Professor Teague was an exceptional faculty member in the Sport and Recreation Management Program. I loved taking classes from him and what I learned in his classes, I could apply to my everyday work in the field of recreation at the University of Iowa. He continues to be an advocate for wellness and leisure studies, which is so important in today’s world. I consider Professor Teague a great friend, colleague and respect the work that he has done for this program.

 

Comments from Sherri Proud (pictured right): When I found the Leisure Studies department at the University of Iowa, I felt like I’d found people I could relate to and start to see a future for myself.  I drank up every bit of knowledge I could, even if it was a passing conversation in the hallway.  I had a few of those with Mike Teague as an undergrad but I didn’t have him for class until I started taking graduate classes several years after finishing my undergrad degree.  Every class meeting was an opportunity to hear Mike’s wisdom on topics that had become so relevant to me as a young professional in community recreation but who’s degree emphasis was on therapeutic recreation.  I appreciated his willingness to take me under his wing and help strengthen my ability to look at every side of a challenge.  I credit Mike with helping me see my potential to strive for an administration position and how I could use skills learned at the University of Iowa with my upbringing that included involvement in sports and outdoor recreational activities to attain such a position. 

 

I really appreciate being honored with this award and its representation in continuing to recognize Mike Teague's legacy of mentoring students and professionals.  In turn, I hope our successes in our careers reflect on Mike Teague and all the faculty at the University of Iowa and continue to grow this wonderful profession of sports, leisure, parks and recreation, events, and all that we go on to do with our UI education.   

Congratulations to Michelle Harder and Sherri Proud for their professional success and receipt of the Dr. Michael Teague All-Star Award. More importantly, thank you for providing #UISRMatwork opportunities for aspiring sport and recreation professionals.