Dr. Andrew Bobilya currently serves as Professor and Program Director of the Masters in Experiential and Outdoor Education (EOE) program while also continuing to teach in the undergraduate Parks and Recreation Management (PRM) program at Western Carolina University. Andrew’s background includes serving as a field instructor, trainer and program manager for various summer camp, wilderness and outdoor adventure programs. He is a former instructor with the North Carolina Outward Bound School and continues to engage in research and evaluation projects connected with Outward Bound. Andrew is also a Certified Outdoor Educator through the Wilderness Education Association (WEA) and continues to offer WEA courses through the EOE and PRM programs. He has served in various roles at industry associations and publications including the Board of Directors of the Association for Experiential Education (AEE) (2005-2012) and as the Editor-in Chief of the Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education and Leadership (2010-2018). Andrew’s current research interests include wilderness solitude, autonomous student experiences, the human nature relationship, spirituality and outdoor programming, and college student transition programs. He also is a founder and Director of Training and Education at 2nd Nature TREC (Training, Research, Education and Consulting) where they come alongside existing programs to help them become better at what they do. You can explore more about Andrew’s work at: https://www.wcu.edu/faculty/ajbobilya.aspx
McCole, D., Perry, E. E., Bobilya, A. J., Janes, M. & Owens, T. (2024). A data-based discussion about land management decisions that limit access to protected areas. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education and Leadership, 16(4), 103-110. https://doi.org/10.18666/JOREL-2024-12508
Waddell, E., Bobilya, A. J., Faircloth, W. B., Daniel, B. & Hoffman, A. (2024). Barriers and strategies for utilizing school outdoor spaces: Exploring the experiences of high school teachers. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education and Leadership, 16(4), 32-44. https://doi.org/10.18666/JOREL-2024-12467
Bobilya, A. J., Holman, T. H., Lindley, B., Norton, C., Bell, B., Mitten, D., Ayers, E. & Smith, S. (2024). Trends and issues in experiential and outdoor education programs. Journal of Experiential Education, 47(2), 280-289. https://doi.org/10.1177/10538259241239586
Kinch, R., Bobilya, A. J., Daniel, B. & Duncan, S. (2022). Indigenous storytelling, Cherokee traditional ecological knowledge, and place-based education. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education and Leadership, 14(4). 55-70. https://doi.org/10.18666/JOREL-2022-11601
Schafer, D. M., Bobilya, A. J., Lawhon, B., Schultz, J. & Faircloth, W. B. (2022). Understanding hikers’ behavioral intent towards Leave No Trace in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education and Leadership, 14(4), 19-35. https://doi.org/10.18666/JOREL-2022-11589
Hines, E., Daniel, B. & Bobilya, A. J. (2020). Environmental views of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Ecopsychology, 12(2), 118-127. https://doi.org/10.1089/eco.2019.0051
Daniel, B., Bobilya, A. J., & Kalisch, K. R. (2018, June, 4). Spending time alone in nature is good for your mental and emotional health. The Conversation. Retrieved from https://theconversation.com/spending-time-alone-in-nature-is-good-for-your-mental-and-emotional-health-92652
