Laura L. Payne, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism
College of Applied Health Sciences
Email: lpayne@illinois.edu
Phone:(217) 333-4410
Fax:(217) 244-1935
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Download Curriculum Vitae (PDF)
Degree
Ph.D., Leisure Studies with a minor in Gerontology, Pennsylvania State University, 1998
Research and Professional Interests
Professor Payne is also the Director of the Illinois Rural Recreation Development Project (IRRDP) administered
through the Office of Recreation and Park Resources (ORPR). IRRDP has two core programs: Summer Daze Youth Recreation
and the Illinois Senior Wellness Initiative.
Professor Payne is interested in examining the effects of leisure behavior on measures of health and
well-being (e.g., psychosocial, physiological) among two populations in transition: adolescents and older adults.
More specifically, she examines the relationship between leisure style and health of older adults with chronic
conditions; the role of local parks and recreation agencies in the promotion and maintenance of health; and the
relationship between nature-based leisure experiences and health.
See curriculum vitae for information about awards, academic and professional honors, publications, and professional associations and certifications.