UNT System Chancellor Lee Jackson (left) greets Greg Abbott, Texas attorney general, following a presentation Abbott made at UNT April 23.

Texas attorney general speaks at UNT

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott made a presentation to faculty and students at the 18th annual Recreation and Leisure Studies Society Student Professional Day April 23 at the University Union.

Shortly after he graduated from law school, Abbott was partially paralyzed by a falling tree while jogging. In his UNT presentation, he spoke about his life-changing experience and his continued interest in physical fitness.

Students learned about the healing power of therapeutic recreation.

"He is an inspiration to all in terms of perseverance and success," says John Collins, associate professor of kinesiology, health promotion and recreation. "His presentation reflected his passion to help people create a better life for themselves."

Collins says that physical activity, self-esteem and social contact enhance the quality of life for people of all ages and ability levels.

In addition to Abbott's presentation, the professional day provided an opportunity for students to learn about service settings, programs, trends and issues in the profession of parks and leisure.

BY CATHY CASHIO ccashio@unt.edu

Other featured articles in this issue

• Two UNT graduate programs ranked high by U.S. News and World Report
• Entrepreneur ranks Murphy Enterprise Center in top tier of regional programs
• College of Business Administration dean to step down; interim dean chosen
• Karen Hughes, Kinky Friedman headline first UNT System Book and Author Luncheon
• New general counsel addresses Faculty Senate
• U.S. National Security Agency names UNT College of Engineering center among nation's elite computer security programs
• UNT Moot Court squad finishes 2003-04 year ranked first in the state

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