Francis A. McGuire

Francis A. McGuire
Year Elected ALS Fellow: 
1995
Highest Degree: 
Ph.D., University of Illinois
Current Position: 
Professor, Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, Clemson University
Bio: 

Francis A. McGuire is a professor in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management at Clemson University. He is also the Clemson University Centennial Professor for 1994 through 1996 as well as a Fellow in the Strom Thurmond Institute. He earned a bachelor's degree at Cornell University, a master of science degree in park and recreation administration at Penn State and a doctorate in leisure studies from the University of Illinois. He has had manuscripts appear in a variety of publications including The Gerontologist, The International Journal of Aging and Human Development, Journal of Leisure Research, Leisure Sciences, Activity, Adaptation and Aging, and The Therapeutic Recreation Journal. He has presented papers and workshops at over 50 national, regional, state and local conferences on topics ranging from intergenerational programs, patterns of outdoor recreation participation by older individuals, the role of humor in long term care facilities, and constraints to leisure involvement in retirement. Grants have included three from the AARP/Andrus Foundation, one to study the use of National Parks by older individuals, one to examine the efficacy of humor in improving the quality of life for residents of long term care facilities, and an on-going project to join older volunteers with at-risk youth in an entrepreneurial setting. In partnership with representatives from the Strom Thurmond Institute, the South Carolina Division on Aging, the South Carolina Department of Education, and the South Carolina United Way, he recently received a grant to develop a program matching older individuals and at-risk youth in a community service program. This project will begin in five South Carolina communities during 1995. He recently co-authored a book on the therapeutic benefits of humor published by the Haworth Press as well as a soon to be released book on leisure in later life. McGuire has also been directly involved in service to older individuals through his participation in a variety of are-retirement programs, Clemson University's College Week for Senior Citizens, and Elderhostel.