Dr. James Bristor - Michigan State University

“Doc” Bristor as he is affectionately known is a consummate professional and an advocate of leisure services and has made significant contributions to the advancement of our profession and the MRPA.His service as an educator, consultant, speaker, presenter, and public servant is well documented. He has dedicated his life’s work to the betterment of humankind by enhancing the quality of life through recreation. “Doc’s” professional experience is extensive and varied. He served as a professor at Michigan State University for 37 years and Professor Emeritus for four years, as well as being a Legal Consultant, Recreation Consultant and even a Recreation Supervisor in his younger years.

The education he received that led him down his career path came from a B.S. from Waynesburg College, PA, M.S. from West Virginia University and his Re.D. from Indiana University.

He has been involved with MRPA for as long as he has been with the University; serving as a member, presenter at various conferences, President and Foundation Member and scholarship donor. He also served on various Boards through out his career; such as YMCA, American Camping Association, National Recreation and Park Association, Educators and served as the Chairperson for the East Lansing Recreation and Arts Commission.
His main emphasis during his long career has been in Youth Development, Diversity and Teaching. Some of his involvement has been: Project Coordinator for the Detroit Pistons-Palace Foundation Project “Park Program” Consultant, Ohio Dept. of Youth Services and Dept. of Corrections, Member of Governors Urban Recreation Task Force, Kellogg Youth Project, Kellogg Foundation Grant for Calhoun County, Programs for Urban YMCA Branches in Metro Detroit, Department Diversity Committee, University-wide Task Forces on the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Volunteer Coordinator, National Cerebral Palsy/Les Autres Games.

“Doc” Bristor is an outstanding teacher who has always been dedicated to his students. During the past forty years, he has taught over 6,000 students. During the first twenty-five years at MSU, he focused on “outdoor recreation”, “physical activity” and “youth development”. Since then he has focused on “recreation program management”, “leisure theory” and “recreation administration”. During his career, he played a leadership role in developing recreation and parks curriculum. He was directly involved in three successful NRPA Accreditation reviews and a constant advocate for the recreation and parks profession.

James L. Bristor a revered teacher, respected colleague and untiring advocate for the recreation and park profession.