Dr. Fred Humphrey received his bachelor of arts in physical education and psychology from Tarkio College in Missouri, master of arts in adapted physical education for the University of Iowa, and doctorate in recreation and parks with a concentration in therapeutic recreation from Pennsylvania State University. In addition, he was certified by NCTRC.
Before going to the University of Maryland as chair in 1975, he worked as a faculty member at Temple University, Pennsylvania State University, and the University of Iowa. He was responsible for the development of the first graduate-undergraduate option in therapeutic recreation at both Pennsylvania State University and the University of Iowa. While at the University of Maryland, he initiated the Therapeutic Recreation Management School (1977) and the Leisure and Aging Management School (1980), both associated with the Wheeling (WV) Park Commission.
Prior to his academic appointment, he had worked in several settings. His first therapeutic recreation service position was as Director of Therapeutic Recreation at the Mental Health Institute in Clarinda, Iowa in 1951.
Fred was a member of many professional organizations and held several national offices. During his second tenure as NTRS President, he was responsible for establishing partnerships and liaison relationships with numerous related allied health organizations. He also sought to increase the involvement of minorities in NTRS affairs and established a Minority Involvement Task Force.
Other leadership roles included serving as Chair of the Hospital Recreation Section of the American Recreation Society, President of the National Consortium on Physical Education and Recreation for the Handicapped, President of the Iowa Park and Recreation Society, and member of the NRPA Board of Trustees.
In 1971, Dr. Humphrey received the NTRS Distinguished Service Award. He also received the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society’s Distinguished Professional Award. The National Recreation and Park Ethnic Minority Society presented Dr. Humphrey with awards in 1982 and 1985 for outstanding contributions to the graduate education of minorities. In 1991, he was one of five therapeutic recreation specialists honored by the editorial staff of Palaestra for making a contribution to the quality of life of individuals with disabilities.
He was the author of numerous publications and served on a number of Editorial Advisory Committees. In addition, he was a frequent presenter at national, regional, and state conferences. Dr. Humphrey also found time to pursue grants and was the recipient of nearly one-million dollars in project monies. His consultation included all levels of government, universities, and various service settings.
In the academic setting, he usually taught advanced courses in therapeutic recreation, research methods, philosophy, and issues concerned with aging.