Educational Background:
Dr. Ernce earned his bachelors degree from Oral Roberts University with a major in
physical education in 1978 and masters degree from the University of Tulsa in HPER focusing on
athletic administration in 1980. He completed his doctorate in HPER in the
park and recreation administration program at the University of New Mexico in 1987.
Experience Background: Dr. Ernce began his professional career in 1978 as the
aquatics program director at Oral Roberts University, and later served as the
coordinator for the recreation emphasis from 1981-86. He also was the
assistant track coach for two seasons. In 1986, he joined the faculty in recreation studies at Missouri Western State College and was elected
chairperson of HPER in 1987 serving in that capacity until 1994. His next assignment was as the
director of the School of Recreation and Sport Sciences at Ohio University 1994-1999 followed by two more years as the
graduate coordinator. He was hired as the new department
head of HPER at Missouri State University in 2001.
Professional Expertise and Interest Areas:
administration, personnel management, funding of public recreation, fund-raising, accreditation, instructional technology, running, backpacking, camping, board games and jigsaw puzzles.
Most recently (2005), Dr. Ernce was appointed as
director of RLS.
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