Andrew J. Bobilya, Ph.D.
(828) 357-5611
Director of Training and Education,Co-founder
Dr. Andrew Bobilya oversees the education and training initiatives and collaborates on all consulting, research and evaluation projects for 2nd Nature TREC. Andrew is also a Professor of Experiential and Outdoor Education at Western Carolina University and has served as a field instructor, trainer and program manager for various outdoor and adventure-based programs for over 30 years. He has also facilitated college and university field-based courses including multi-week canoeing, backpacking and mountaineering expeditions. Andrew has received training from various organizations including NOLS, Outward Bound, the Wilderness Education Association (WEA) and Leave No Trace. 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. Andrew has received the Association for Experiential Education's Servant Leader Award (2013), the Western Carolina University College of Education and Allied Professions Legislative Teaching Award (2017) and Dean's Research Award (2017), the Wilderness Education Association's Outdoor Educator of the Year (2018). He enjoys spending time with his family and friends, moments of adventure, exploring natural landscapes and the related personal spiritual journey.
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EDUCATION AND DEGREES
Ph.D. - Education / Emphasis in Recreation, Park and Leisure Studies, University of Minnesota,
Minneapolis, Minnesota, May 2004
MS - Experiential Education, Minnesota State University - Mankato, Minnesota, May 2001
BS - Outdoor Education, Montreat College - Montreat, North Carolina, December 1996
SELECT COURSES/ TRAININGS FACILITATED
Wilderness Education Courses (1 – 4 weeks in length) in various locations including the mountains of Western North Carolina, Wind River Mountains of WY, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Outdoor Living and Expedition Skills
Beginner/Intermediate Whitewater Kayaking
Introduction to Outdoor Pursuits
Expedition Management
Program Planning and Evaluation
Research Methods
Trends and Issues in Experiential and Outdoor Education
Scholarly Writing Intensive
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
American Camp Association
American Canoe Association
Association for Experiential Education (AEE)
Association for Outdoor Recreation and Education (AORE)
Coalition for Education in the Outdoors (CEO)
Leave No Trace (LNT)
National Recreation and Park Association
The Academy of Leisure Sciences
Wilderness Education Association (WEA)
SELECT PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
Association for Experiential Education
Symposium on Experiential Education Research (SEER) Co-Chair (2017- 2018)
International Association Board of Directors Member (2005 – 2012)
Heartland Region Council Member (2002 – 2005)
Coalition for Education in the Outdoors Biannual Research Symposium
Research Committee Member & Co-Coordinator
Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education and Leadership (JOREL)
Editor in Chief (2010 – 2018)
Associate Editor (2018 – present)
Journal of Experiential Education (JEE)
Editorial Board Member (2016 – present)
Kurt Hahn Consortium for Values and Experiential Learning at Pennsylvania State University
-Affiliate faculty member (2017 – present)
SELECT AWARDS AND HONORS
Association for Experiential Education
Dr. Betty van der Smissen Distinguished Researcher Award (2024)
Servant Leader Award for the International Association – 2013
Rebecca L. Carver Award for the Southeast Region - 2011
Western Carolina University
College of Education and Allied Professions Dean’s Research Award (2017)
College of Education and Allied Professions Legislative Teaching Award (2017)
Wilderness Education Association’s Outdoor Educator of the Year (2018)
SELECT RECENT PUBLICATIONS
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, Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/10538259241239586
McCole, D., Bobilya, A. J., Lindley, B., Holman, T., Shirilla, P., Jacobs, J. & McAvoy, L. (2024). Using communities of practice to navigate the professoriate in contemporary academia: A co/autoethnography of seven university faculty. Journal of Faculty Development, 38(1). 45-53.
Daniel, B., Bobilya, A. J. & Faircloth, W. B. (2022). The life significance of an Outward Bound expedition: 50 years later. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education and Leadership, 14(4). 1-18. https://doi.org/10.18666/JOREL-2022-11601
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
Schmidt, A. & Bobilya, A. J. (2022). Engaging youth as community leaders in outdoor education research,
program design, and evaluation. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education and Leadership, 14(1), 78-86. https://doi.org/10.18666/JOREL-2022-V14-I1-11124
Bobilya, A. J., Faircloth, W. B., Lindley, B. R., Holman, T. & McAvoy, L. H. (2021). A pre-post analysis of participant learning and growth using a new Outward Bound outcomes instrument. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education and Leadership, 13(3), 21-34.
https://doi.org/10.18666/JOREL-2021-V13-I3-10406
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
Meltzer, N. W., Bobilya, A. J., Mitten, D., Faircloth, W. B., & Chandler, R. (2020). An investigation of moderators of change and the influence of the instructor on outdoor orientation program participants’ biophilic expressions. Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education. 23, 207-224. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42322- 020-00051-w
McCole, D., Bobilya, A. J., Holman, T. & Lindley, B. (2019). Benefits of summer camp: What do parents value? Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education and Leadership, 11(3), 239-247. https://doi.org/10.18666/JOREL-2019-V11-I3-9672
Bobilya, A. J., & Faircloth, W. B. (2017). Exploring course outcomes utilizing a new Outward Bound outcomes instrument. Research in Outdoor Education, 15, 114-136.
Faircloth, W. B. & Bobilya, A. J., & Ewert, A. W. (2016). The North Carolina Outward Bound School Course Impression Survey: A psychometric investigation. Research in Outdoor Education, 14, 1-20. https://doi.org/10.1353/roe.2016.0006
Bobilya, A. J., Kalisch, K. R., Daniel, B. & Coulson, E. (2015). An investigation of participant’s intended and actual transfer of learning following an Outward Bound wilderness experience. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education and Leadership, 7(2), 93-111. https://doi.org/10.18666/jorel-2015-v7-i2-7006
Bobilya, A. J., Kalisch, K., & Daniel, B. (2014). Participants’ perceptions of their Outward Bound final expedition and the relationship to instructor supervisory position. Journal of Experiential Education, 37(4), 397-414. doi:10.1177/1053825913510693. https://doi.org/10.1177/1053825913510693
Daniel, B., Bobilya, A. J., Kalisch, K. R. & McAvoy, L. H. (2014). Autonomous student experiences in outdoor and adventure education programming. Journal of Experiential Education, 37(1), 4-17. https://doi.org/10.1177/1053825913518892
Kalisch, K. R., Bobilya, A. J. & Daniel, B. (2011). The Outward Bound solo: A study of participants’ perceptions. Journal of Experiential Education. 34(1), 1-18. https://doi.org/10.5193/jee34.1.1
Bobilya, A. J., Kalisch, K., & Daniel, B. (2011). The Outward Bound final expedition: Exploring the effect of instructor positioning on the student experience. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education and Leadership. 3(2), 80-83. https://doi.org/10.7768/1948-5123.1101
SELECT BOOK CHAPTERS
Bobilya, A. J., Daniel, B., Kalisch, K. R. (2015). Autonomous Student Experiences: Are They Too Risky for Today’s Outdoor Adventure Program? In Black, R. & Bricker, K. (Eds.), Adventure Programming and Travel for the 21st Century (pp. 353-357). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
Daniel, B. & Bobilya, A. J. (2012). Guarding Safety Without Compromising Learning: The Value of Unaccompanied Components. In Martin, B. & Wagstaff, M. (Eds.), Controversial Issues in Adventure Programming (pp. 220-226). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
Bobilya, A. J. & Daniel, B. (2007). The basics of backcountry camping. In Goldenberg, M. & Martin, B. (Eds.), Outdoor Adventures: Hiking & Backpacking (pp. 179-210). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
SELECT OTHER PUBLICATIONS
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
SELECT RECENT PRESENTATIONS
McCole, D., Perry, E. E., Bobilya, A. J. & Janes, M. (January, 2024). Could We Lose Access to Our Classrooms? A Data-Based Discussion About Land Management Decisions That Limit Access to Protected Areas. Paper presented at the Coalition for Education in the Outdoors 16th Biennial Research Symposium, YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly, Black Mountain, NC.
Waddell, E., Bobilya, A. J., Faircloth, W. B., Daniel, B. & Hoffman, A. (January, 2024). Barriers and strategies for utilizing school outdoor spaces: Exploring the experiences of high school teachers. Paper presented at the Coalition for Education in the Outdoors 16th Biennial Research Symposium, YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly, Black Mountain, NC.
Bobilya, A. J., Holman, T. H., Lindley, B., Norton, C., Bell, B., Mitten, D., Ayers, E. & Smith, S. (2023, November). Trends and Issues in Experiential and Outdoor Education Programs: Panel & Roundtable Discussions. Session presented at the Association for Experiential Education International Conference: Symposium on Experiential Education Research (SEER), Madison, WI.
Faircloth, W. B., Daniel, B. & Bobilya, A. J. (2023, November). The psychology of risk and 21st century outdoor adventure program participants. Session presented at the Association for Experiential Education International Conference, Madison, WI.
Duncan, S. M., Forcino, F. L., Bobilya, A. J., Denton, R. & Tiger, K. (2023, May). Lessons from an environmental health and education project using western science and cultural methods. Poster presented at the C*Sci 2023 Conference, Citizen Science Association, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ.
Talley, K. A., Bobilya, A. J., Stonehouse, P. & Horschman, J. (2022, November). Being comfortable with the uncomfortable: Adolescent girl’s experiences of an extended outdoor adventure program. Paper presented at the 50th Anniversary Association for Experiential Education International Conference: Symposium on Experiential Education Research (SEER), YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly, Black Mountain, NC.
Faircloth, W. B., Bobilya, A. J. & Daniel, B., Cox-King, A. & Talaber, J. (2022, November). Social and emotional learning through community-based outdoor and adventure programming. Paper presented at the 50th Anniversary Association for Experiential Education International Conference: Symposium on Experiential Education Research (SEER), YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly, Black Mountain, NC.
Daniel, B., Bobilya, A. J. & Faircloth, W. B. (2022, February). The life significance of an Outward Bound expedition: 50 years later. Paper presented at the Coalition for Education in the Outdoors 15th Biennial Research Symposium, YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly, Black Mountain, NC.
Kinch, R., Bobilya, A. J., Duncan, S., Daniel, B. & Brannon, J. (2022, February). Indigenous storytelling, Cherokee traditional ecological knowledge, and place-based education. Paper presented at the Coalition for Education in the Outdoors 15th Biennial Research Symposium, YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly, Black Mountain, NC.
McCole, D., Bobilya, A. J., Lindley, B., Holman, T., Shirilla, P., Jacobs, J. & McAvoy, L. (2022, February). Navigating the professoriate in contemporary academia: A co/autoethnography of seven outdoor educators/university faculty. Paper presented at the Coalition for Education in the Outdoors 15th Biennial Research Symposium, YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly, Black Mountain, NC.
Schafer, D. M., Bobilya, A. J., Lawhon, B., Schultz, J. & Faircloth, W. B. (2022, February). Understanding hikers’ behavioral intent towards Leave No Trace in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Paper presented at the Coalition for Education in the Outdoors 15th Biennial Research Symposium, YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly, Black Mountain, NC.
Faircloth, W. B., Daniel, B., Bobilya, A. J., Cox-King, A. & Talaber, J. (2021, November). Impact of community-based outdoor and adventure programming on participant social and emotional learning. Paper presented at the Association for Experiential Education International (virtual) Conference: Symposium on Experiential Education Research (SEER).
Faircloth, W. B., Seaman, J., Whitney, R. & Bobilya, A. J. (2021, November). Psychometric investigation of a reduced Kellert-Shorb Biophilic Values Indicator: Development of a brief measure of environmental values. Paper presented at the Association for Experiential Education International (virtual) Conference: Symposium on Experiential Education Research (SEER).