Clemson graduate student receives two national awards

Published: November 29, 2011

By Max Sewesky

CLEMSON — Jeffrey Skibins of Chicago, a Clemson University graduate student, recently received two awards: the Phi Kappa Phi Love of Learning Award and the National Tourism Association’s Luray Caverns Graduate Research Scholarship.

Skibins is one of 80 Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society members to receive the annual Love of Learning Award, which is worth $500. Phi Kappa Phi presents this award to help fund post-baccalaureate studies and career development. The selection process for the Love of Learning Award is based on the impact on the applicant’s career or educational goals, academic achievement, leadership and service on the campus and in the community and a personal statement.

Skibins received the Luray Caverns Graduate Research Scholarship of $3,000 from the National Tourism Association. The award is given in two payments, one initially and the other after the recipient submits final research to Tourism Cares, the association’s philanthropic division, which is devoted to preserving the travel experience for future generations. To be considered for this award, applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater and must be conducting research on a topic with a tourism focus.

Skibins is a student in Clemson’s parks, recreation and tourism management (PRTM) Ph.D. program. His research is focused on better understanding the relationship between wildlife tourism and conservation biology. Skibins is a member of the Alpha Epsilon Lambda and Omicron Delta Kappa National Honor Societies.

“Receiving these awards has not only been personally rewarding, but reaffirms the strength and reputation of the parks, recreation and tourism management department at Clemson,” said Skibins. “Any grant award is a team effort, particularly for graduate students. Being selected for these two prestigious awards is a reflection of PRTM’s robust curriculum and faculty dedication to student performance. On a personal note it is rewarding to know that my research is being recognized for its contribution to the field.”

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