Department Chair and Professor, Department of Recreation, Tourism and Hospitality, WLCE at Vancouver Island University (VIU); WLO Chair

Prof. Joanne Schroeder is a faculty member in the Department of Recreation, Tourism and Hospitality, Vancouver Island University, Canada since 2000. Her career has spanned over 40 years, in both practice and academia, with numerous roles including administration, teaching, research and supervision, community engagement and development of experiential learning such as field schools and study tours. She is currently the Department Chair, responsible for Recreation, Sport, Tourism and Hospitality and the Co-Director of the World Leisure Centre of Excellence at Vancouver Island University. Enthusiastic about community involvement and industry connections, her previous experiences include private consulting, training and professional development and predominantly working in local government through municipal recreation departments for over 20 years across Western Canada. Joanne has a MA in Leisure Services Management from University of Victoria, Canada. As a recent recipient of the Provost’s Award for Scholarship, Research and Creative Activity, she continues to challenge her research, teaching, student engagement and professional development. She is currently the Chair of the WLO board, and the first female Chair since the organizations beginning in 1952.  Joanne states, ” it is a pleasure and privilege to work with the World Leisure Organization and be a representative in the amazing field of improving the human condition through leisure”. Joanne lives on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada which is the world’s 43rd largest Island. She is actively involved in her community and her leisure pursuits and if both can be combined, they will include family, friends, fresh air and all kinds of pursuits in the great outdoors.

WL Committees involvement

• Educational Services
• Membership
• Strategic Priorities Grant
• Youth Ambassadors