Middle Tennessee State University researchers described a two-pronged collaboration with Patterson Park Community Center that combines course-based experiential learning for students and an ongoing research pilot using virtual reality to study healthy aging.

Dr. Haiewon Son, assistant professor in MTSU's Department of Health and Human Performance, told the Parks and Recreation Commission the teaching collaboration places students in Patterson's program-planning course to design, implement and evaluate youth activities using experiential-learning and social and emotional learning frameworks. "Students gain concrete experience through staff training, orientation and in-center implementation, then reflect and revise based on formative evaluation," Dr. Son said during the presentation.

The research component, described by a visiting collaborator, uses VR-based exercise interventions aimed at physical, cognitive and emotional outcomes for older adults. The pilot recruited 35 local residents, each guided through VR exercise sessions while researchers conducted interviews and measurement. Presenters said preliminary themes include "joyful movement," improved mind–body connection and heightened confidence; analysis of the collected data is under way.

Commissioners praised the conceptual framework and the program's potential for broader dissemination. Dr. Gloria Bonner offered to coordinate a letter to Dean Pete Grandjean to support the faculty's tenure and promotion files, a step the presenters welcomed.

Presenters said the collaboration started in spring 2022, continues to collect longitudinal data, and has already produced conference presentations. They framed the work as mutually beneficial: students gain applied skills and Patterson Park gains program capacity and research-based refinement.

The commission did not take formal action on the presentation but agreed to follow up on the dean-letter offer and to continue supporting the partnership.