Faculty and Staff Profile

Phil Gaines

Educational Background

BS Recreation and Park Administration
Clemson University 1981

Courses Taught

Elements of Recreation and Park Planning
Operating in Political Environments in the Public and Non-Profit Sectors

Profile

Phil Gaines is a Professor of Practice in the PRTM Department at Clemson University. A Professor of Practice denotes and recognizes the over 35 years of experience in the field of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, and Public Lands Leadership. Phil served as the Director of South Carolina State Parks for 13 years. Continuing education and leadership has played an important role in his professional career. He was instrumental in the development of America's State Park Leadership School a two year school focused on leadership and the develop core competencies for effective state park management in Wheeling, West Virginia. Phil has served as the Chairman of the Board of Regents at the School and is was an instructor at the school for 13 years. Mr. Gaines is a frequent presenter at various State and National Conferences in the US and Canada where he focuses on leadership, and innovative approaches to park management. Phil has served on the Board of the National Association of State Park Directors, The National Association of State Outdoor Recreation Liaison Officers. He has also served his alma mater on various Boards and committees over the years, most recently as a member of the External Advisory Board for the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences, and a board member of the Institute for Parks. Phil enjoys the outdoors, hiking and photography.

Honors and Awards

Fred Brinkman Award. Presented by the South Carolina Travel and Tourism Coalition the award is presented periodically to an individual who has consistently, over a long period of time, made an outstanding contribution to the tourism industry on a statewide level in South Carolina. 2022

The American Academy for Park & Recreation Administration Legend Award. The “Legend award” is for individuals who have made outstanding and noteworthy contributions to parks, recreation, and conservation in the United States, 2021

S.C. Forever Green Public Servant of the Year 2019.

Dedication and naming of the historic Table Rock Lodge to the Gaines Lodge in recognition of dedication, stewardship, and national leadership for state parks. South Carolina Department of Parks Recreation and Tourism, 2018

Distinguished Service Award for national leadership for America's State Parks, from the National Association of State Park Directors. 2015

Walter Cox Award for Public Service and Leadership in Natural Resources, from Clemson University 2013