Dr. David Jewell is a full professor. He began his career in recreation and leisure services in 1964 as an activity therapist with the Illinois Department of Mental Health. He spent almost 17 years as a therapeutic recreation practitioner, the last 10 of which were spent as the director of Activity Therapy Services at Illinois' maximum security mental health treatment center in Chester. He began his career at SUNY Brockport in 1979, serving as coordinator from 1981 to 1987, and as chairperson from 1994 until 1997. He is the author of three books and numerous articles and is a frequent presenter at regional, state, and national conferences. Since 1981 he has also served as the coordinator of field placement for the department. His areas of special interest are international education, experiential education, and at-risk youth.