Alabama Recreation and Parks Association

Watts-Belk Scholarship
Description | Guidelines | Application

Holli M. Watts

Holli Watts is highly regarded as an example for members in the field of Recreation. Her experience, leadership, professionalism and educational achievements are highly esteemed. Her professional and civic involvement in the community has made an impact on those around her.

Ms. Watts has over thirty-five years of management responsibilities with the large Parks and Recreation Departments like Birmingham and Homewood.

While working full-time, she obtained her B.S. in Education with a major in Recreation Administration from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa; and then proceeded to obtain her M.S. in Education with a major in Health, Physical Education and Recreation from the University of Alabama in Birmingham.

She has served in professional organizations in many leadership positions for the Alabama Recreation and Parks Association and National Recreation and Parks Association. She is a past President of ARPA and also served on the Alabama Recreation and Parks Foundation.

MS. Watts has received many professional awards throughout her career, but the award that best summarizes this individual was the Outstanding Professional Award which is the highest award given to a professional by ARPA.

Jerry Belk

Jerry Belk’s wide range of knowledge in the recreation field has inspired many. His experiences as an educator, his management skills and his disciplined nature are all qualities that are valued by recreation professionals.

Mr. Belk served as Director of Tuscaloosa Parks and Recreation Authority (PARA) from 1966 until December 1996.

Mr. Belk received his B.S. and M.A. from Alabama in Tuscaloosa.

He was involved in professional organizations such as Alabama Recreation and Parks Association and the National Recreation and Parks Association. Mr. Belk was a former President of ARPA.

Mr. Belk’s work experience ranges from two years in the U.S. Army in Germany to working as a High School Physical Education teacher and coach to Director of Tuscaloosa County PARA.