Background
Smissen, M. E. Betty van der was born on December 27, 1927 in Great Bend, Kansas, United States. Daughter of Theodor Alwin and Margaret (Dirks) van der Smissen.
Smissen, M. E. Betty van der was born on December 27, 1927 in Great Bend, Kansas, United States. Daughter of Theodor Alwin and Margaret (Dirks) van der Smissen.
Bachelor of Arts Kansas, 1949. Juris Doctor, University Kansas, 1952. Master of Science, Indiana University, 1954.
D. Recreation, Indiana University, 1955.
Assistant professor University Iowa, Iowa City, 1956-1965. Professor Pennsylvania State University, University Park, 1965-1979. Director school health physical education/professor recreation Bowling Green (Ohio) State University, 1979-1990.
Professor, chairman park, recreation and tourism resources Michigan State University, East Lansing, since 1990.
Member National Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies, 1st chair, since 1994. Fellow Academy Leisure Sciences (founder), American Leisure Academy (founder). Member Alliance for Health (R. Tait McKenzie award 1991), National Recreation and Park Association (trustee 1988-1990), American Academy Park and Recreation Administration (board directors 1990-1993), American Association Leisure and Recreation (Jay B. Nash award 1987), American Camping Association (national president 1980-1982), Association for Experiential Education (Kurt Hahn award 1987), National Council Accreditation Adventure Programs, Society Legal Aspects Spts (National Leadership award 1997), Wilderness Education Association (Petzoldt award 1998).