Dr. Alton Little
Dr. Alton Dean Little is a longtime fixture in the WKU and Bowling Green, Kentucky communities. Before earning his doctorate at the University of Georgia, Alton worked as a parks and recreation director. He then began his career at WKU in 1971 as a professor of recreation and park administration and as program coordinator. He applied his practical experience and education to help students understand the needs and requirements of their chosen field. His students have gone on to have distinguished careers in local governments, state agencies such as state parks, and in the federal government within the National Park Service and the National Forest Service. He retired as dean of the department after 31 years at WKU.
Alton has continued his work in parks and recreation in his community, serving on the Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Commission for many years. While developing the Parks and Recreation Master Plan for Bowling Green in 1978, he helped establish the concept of “land banking”—acquiring and setting aside property for future park development to preserve space as the community grew. His foresight resulted in parks that current residents now enjoy. He gave of his expertise in many similar efforts for communities all across Kentucky. The City of Bowling Green honored his efforts by naming the Kummer-Little Community Center after him in 2007.
He has also served in many capacities on professional boards at both the state and national level. He was on the National Registration Board of the National Recreation and Park Association and represented Kentucky when the state’s “Professional Administrator” certification was approved. He worked towards accreditation for parks and recreation college curriculums, including that at WKU. He received national recognition in 1977, when the National Recreation and Park Association awarded him the Outstanding Educator Award for his commitment and work as the top educator in the nation at the organization’s national congress in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Alton continues to give to the WKU and Bowling Green communities. As a minister, he has performed many marriages ceremonies for former students and even for children of former students. He is currently active with Mended Hearts, a support program for those recovering from heart challenges. He has two grown children and was married to his wife Pat for many years until her passing. Their grandson recently graduated from WKU and is now working in the parks and recreation profession.
To honor his legacy, students, faculty, and friends established the Dr. Alton Little Scholarship Fund. It served as a way for them to pay forward Alton’s devotion to his family, friends, community, and especially his students. The fund offers deserving students encouragement as they pursue their academic goals. Through this fund, Alton’s impact on the Hill and beyond continues in perpetuity.