Sonja Wilhelm Stanis was accepted into the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA) July 29. Induction into the organization represents one of the highest honors in the parks and recreation field.  

Wilhelm Stanis joined the University of Missouri’s School of Natural Resources (SNR) in 2008 as an assistant professor in parks, recreation, sport and tourism (PRST). She now serves as a PRST professor and associate director and director of undergraduate studies for SNR. 

The AAPRA consists of a community of distinguished leaders dedicated to shaping the future of parks, recreation and conservation through service, scholarship and innovation. It recognizes national leadership, accomplishments and commitment to advancing the profession. 

Wilhelm Stanis’ research is in the human dimensions of natural resource management. Her focus is on the social, psychological and environmental factors that influence aspects of outdoor recreation.  

Her work specifically examines the role of parks and public lands in promoting physical activity and public health, benefits of and constraints to outdoor recreation and issues in outdoor recreation relating to diversity and youth.