Dr. Nathan A. Schaumleffel, Associate Professor of Political Science, received the 2026 Distinguished Citizen Award from the Indiana Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) on Friday, November 6, 2026, at the Grand Wayne Convention Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
The award recognizes an outstanding citizen, dedicated park board member, or exceptional volunteer who has shown extraordinary commitment to supporting parks and recreation in their community or across the state.
The IPRA says this honor recognizes Dr. Schaumleffel for his volunteer leadership founding and directing the Indiana Rural Recreation Development Project; serving on the Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) advisory committees; integrating parks and recreation into emergency management planning through the Booker T. Washington Community Center shelter project with the Terre Haute Parks and Recreation Department; serving on the leadership team for the Vigo County Parks and Recreation Department’s Safe Routes to Parks initiative at Dewey Point and Wabashiki Fish and Wildlife Area; and for serving as a member and President of the Terre Haute Park and Recreation Board among other contributions.
Learn more about the award here!