As academic institutions across the country modify their programs, what will this mean for the future of the profession? By Tim Herd, CPRE I n western and central Pennsylvania, a recent change in the state's system of higher education shook more than just the trees of knowledge. It started a figurative landslide of park and recreation career climbers, and flatlined a long-established educational track to their summit. Based on a plan to merge six universities into two to capitalize on collective strengths while reducing administrative costs, Pennsylvania's communities and park and recreation providers experienced the loss of a Bachelor of Science recreation management program in both consolidated colleges - and a key route of entry for many students into the profession. PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G | FEBR U AR Y 2 0 2 3 | Parks & Recreation 43