The Department of Sports and Leisure was founded on 1st August, 1998, the first of its kind as far as national universities in Taiwan are concerned. The first deputy chairperson was Dr. Guang-ren Chen. In the beginning of its establishment, the Department set up not only 3 major developing axles including sport skills and pedagogy, sport science research, and leisure sport management and education, but also sport science laboratories, physical education program, and leisure sport management and education programs. Furthermore, the Department also engaged excellent scholars in related fields as its teachers. Subsequently, Professor Philip C. M. Wang was the next chairperson. During his tenure, based on the consideration of competitiveness and trends, he modified the development direction, cancelled sport technique courses, and adjusted the ratio of sport science courses and leisure courses. Since 2004, Associate Professor Chih-kuei Yeh was the chairperson. During his tenure, he established the ‘Educational Experimental Field of Wilderness Leisure Exploration Experience.’ Its related courses can assist participants in learning the process of basic adventure activities, which can challenge their physical abilities and minds at the same time, and get in touch with the sports and activities, which can challenge their physical limit. It could become a new health & leisure industry. In 2006, Professor Chi-chuan Lue was the chairperson. During his tenure, he purchased outdoor adventure and recreation equipment, established the courses with the Department’s characteristics, and increased the multiplicity of the course design. Since 2007, Professor Yi-chung Hsu was the chairperson. During his tenure, he negotiated with the Graduate Institute of Tourism and Recreation Management for the integration issue. Since 2009, Professor Tsung-chiung Wu was the chairperson. She integrated the Department with the Graduate Institute of Tourism and Recreation Management, renamed the newborn department as the “Department of Tourism, Leisure, and Recreation Studies” since the 99th academic year, and planned the programs and the educational system of the ‘Department of Tourism, Leisure, and Recreation Studies.’ Moreover, she held the activity “Passing on Traditions” and invited the graduate members coming back to promote the interaction among the graduate members, teachers, and students.
