Biography and expertise
BS Western Illinois University, major in Recreation and Park Administration
MBA Olivet Nazarene University
Ph.D. Clemson University, major in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management
Prior to beginning my doctoral studies in 1999, I had worked in the field of recreation since I was 16 years old. I began as a day camp counselor and progressed through multiple part-time and seasonal jobs and agencies as I pursued an undergraduate degree in Recreation and Park Administration. I worked as a full-time Recreation Program Supervisor and Manager for 15 years in the public sector, during which time I earned a Masters in Business Administration. Much of what I do as an academic is grounded in those years working in the field developing and refining my skills as a programmer and administrator.
MBA Olivet Nazarene University
Ph.D. Clemson University, major in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management
Prior to beginning my doctoral studies in 1999, I had worked in the field of recreation since I was 16 years old. I began as a day camp counselor and progressed through multiple part-time and seasonal jobs and agencies as I pursued an undergraduate degree in Recreation and Park Administration. I worked as a full-time Recreation Program Supervisor and Manager for 15 years in the public sector, during which time I earned a Masters in Business Administration. Much of what I do as an academic is grounded in those years working in the field developing and refining my skills as a programmer and administrator.
Education
Doctorate Degree
PhD in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management
Clemson University, 2002
Master's Degree
MBA in Business Administration
Olivet Nazarene University, 1996
Bachelor's Degree
BS in Recreation and Park Administration
Western Illinois University, 1984
Teaching Interests
Research Interests
Featured grants
- Zimmermann, Jo An M (Co-Principal), Bender, Stacey H (Co-Principal). Aquaticity & Motivation: A new approach to the evaluation of aquatics programs, World Leisure Organization, International Professional Organization, $5000. (Submitted: August 27, 2021, Funded: January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2022). Grant.
- Zimmermann, J. M. The nature/status of how practitioners measure effectiveness and/or outcomes in Texas, Texas Recreation & Park Society, Professional Association, $2500.00. (Submitted: September 26, 2018, Funded: October 4, 2018 - October 2019). Grant.
- Meaney, K.S. (Co-Principal), Zimmermann, Jo An (Co-Principal), McDonald, J.D. (Co-Principal). Champions for health in the community, Texas State University San Marcos, Research Enhancement Program, Institutional (Higher Ed), $11441. (Submitted: 2010). Grant.
- Zimmermann, Jo An (Principal). Teaching and Technology Workshop, Institutional (Higher Ed), $1200. (Submitted: 2008). Grant.
- Craike, M. (Co-Principal), Symons, C. (Co-Principal), Zimmermann, Jo An (Co-Principal). A longitudinal study of the individual, social and environmental determinants of sport and physical activity of young women at transitional life stages, Sport and Recreation Victoria, Municipal, $60000. (Submitted: 2007). Grant.
Featured scholarly/creative works
- Zimmermann-Somoza, J. A. M. (2025). Recreation in non-profit organizations. In Introduction to careers in recreation, parks, tourism & leisure services 4th Ed. Champaign, IL, United States: Sagamore Publishing, LLC.
- Hurd, A. R., Barcelona, R. J., & Zimmermann-Somoza, J. M. (2023). Leisure Services Management, 3rd Edition. Champaign, IL, USA: Human Kinetics.
- Zimmermann-Somoza, J. A. M., & Gilley, K. (2022). Fiscal Management. In Management in Park and Recreation Agencies 5th Edition (pp. 455–514). Champaign, IL, USA: Sagamore Publishing LLC.
- Emily, E., Zimmermann, J. A. M., & Bender, S. H. (2022, August 5). Aquaticity: A new way to assess water skills. Water Safety Magazine. Retrieved from https://www.watersafetymagazine.com/aquaticity-a-new-way-to-assess-water-skills-by-weeks-zimmermann-bender/
- Deringer, S. A., Thomas, K. A., & Zimmermann-Somoza, J. A. M. (2021). Mindful Experiences of Place On a Study Abroad Trip. In M. Baker & N. Carr (Eds.), Leisure activities in the outdoors: Learning, developing, and challenging. Cabi Publishing.
Featured awards
- Award / Honor Recipient: Presidential Distinction Award for Teaching, College of Education. February 2018 - May 2018
- Award / Honor Recipient: Outstanding Educator of the Year, Texas Recreation & Park Society. November 2017 - March 2018
- Award / Honor Recipient: 2012 Seele Education Award, City of New Braunfels. January 1, 2012 - December 1, 2012
- Award / Honor Recipient: 2025 Presidential Distinction Award for Service, College of Education, Texas State University. 2025
- Award / Honor Recipient: Presidential Distiction Award for Service, College of Education. August 2022
Featured service activities
- Other
Recreation and Sport Management Program
- Chair
World Leisure Center of Excellence
- Other
Texas State Autism Camp
- Reviewer / Referee
Managing Sport and Leisure
- Chair
Mentoring Committee Dr. Ny'Nika McFadden
- Member
HHP Scholars Day