Headshot of Carol Smith

Carol Smith

Professor of Wellness

Department: Education and Wellness

Office and address: Koury Center (Athletics), Office 227 2525 Campus Box Elon, NC 27244

Phone number: (336) 278-5872

Brief Biography

Academic Year 2025-2026 is Dr. Carol A Smith's 27th year at Elon University. She is the Program Coordinator for the Outdoor Leadership & Education major and Adventure Based Learning minor.

Her degrees are: BS in Physical Education/Teacher Education, MEd in Health & Physical Education, MS in Curriculum & Instruction in Special Education and the PhD in Kinesiology with a concentration in Outdoor Education.  She teaches outdoor experiential education, study abroad with content in adventure-based eco-tourism (to New Zealand) and an Integrative Core Capstone course on the Modern Summer Olympic Games.

News & Notes

Education

B.S.; University of Massachusetts/Amherst; Physical Education Teacher Education
M.Ed.; Frostburg State University, MD; Health & Physical Education
M.S.; Black Hills State University, SD; Curriculum & Instruction in Special Education
Ph.D.; Texas A&M University/College Station; Kinesiology/Outdoor Experiential Education

Employment History

In the past I have taught at Frosburg State University, Maryland (Graduate Teaching Assistant): University of Texas at San Antonio (Lecturer): Texas A&M University/College Station (Lecturer): Texas A&M University/Koriyama Japan (Lecturer); Black Hills State University, South Dakota (Assistant Professor): and as an adjunct associate professor in the Graduate School at the University of North Carolina/Greensboro.

Courses Taught

OLE:  Wilderness Studies, Leave No Trace and Leadership; Introduction to Outdoor Experiential Education; Senior Seminar

COR: Modern Summer Olympic Games

GBL: Critically Engaged (Adventure Based) Eco-tourism in New Zealand

WHE: Mental Health First Aid for the Non-clinician; Contemporary Wellness Issues

 

Leadership Positions

Elon University

  • Chair for the Graduate Council [2022-2023]
  • Interim Chair: Department of Education & Wellness [spring 2022]
  • Co-chair Task Force on Departmental Serivce Statesments [2019-2021]
  • Program Coordinator Outdoor Learning & Education (current) / Adventure Based Learning [2015-current]
  • Chair Athletics Committee [2020-2021]
  • Chair Promotion & Tenure Committee [2018-2019]
  • Chair Academic Council [2013]
  • Chair School of Education Curriculum Committee [2010-2013]
  • Associate Director of North Carolina Teaching Fellows [2005-2009]
  • Program Coordinator Physical Education and Health [1999-2008; 2012-2014]

 

Professional

  • Chair-Elect; Sport & Physical Activity in the Southern Tier of the National Academy for Health & Physical Literacy [2021-present]
  • Leadership Council for SHAPE America Southern District [2016-2018]
  • Vice-President for the Sport & Leisure Division for SHAPE America Southern District [2014]
  • Executive Board for SHAPE America Southern District [2012-2015]
  • President of the North Carolina Alliance for Athletics, Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Dance & Sport Management [2013]
  • Executive Board for NCAAHPERD-SM [2011-2014]

Research

With Students:

  • SURF Day Posters

  1. Cade Missimer (2024). Physical Education according to physical education students

  2. Emily Padron (2023). How outdoor experiences and education contribute to early childhood development

  3. Caroline Allen (2023). The benefits of the outdoors through mental health and education

  4. Maddie Anderson-LaPorte. (2022). Benefits of outdoor recreation and outdoor education on mental health

  5. Madison Hayes. (2021). Women's body perception in outdoor recreation
  6. Juliana Siler. (2020). Linkage between social media use and self-reported depression and anxiety in college students
  7. Sally Doehr. (2020). How injuries affect the mental health and academic performance of student-athletes
  8. Katie Meier. (2018). Adventure based learning and the positive influences on mental illness
  9. Alyssa Spagnuolo. (2016).  Break through the glass: Empowering women through leadership
  • HONORS FELLOW PROJECT
  1. Genevieve Emerson. Comparison of Positive Attitudes between Participants in Adventures in Leadership (a First-Year Outdoor Orientation Program) and Non-Participants Four Years Later: Changes in GRIT, Sense of Place, Meaning in Life, Social Engagement, and Self-Efficacy
     
  • ABL/EDU/PEH 291, 491, 499
  1. Perry Greeson. Leadership in the outdoors, and The outdoors creates a space for fellowship between men
  2. Laura Brown. Studies of leadership in participants of the Adventures in Leadership
  3. Matthew Mercado. Celestial Navigation
  4. Thomas Vivona. Hiking the Appalachian Trail
  5. Juliana Siler. Linkage between social media use and self-reported depression and anxiety in college students
  6. Alexander Buie. Nutrition in nature
  7. Michael Gibeley. Experiential education through three phases of Adventures in Leadership
  8. Madison Hayes. Outdoor education and women's body perception
  9. GeorgiAnn Role. Examining the intra and interpersonal effects of wilderness experiences on adolescent girls
  10. Madeline Pierce.  Impact of ABL on grit
  11. Charles Cheema. Investigating the infusion of environmental pedagogies in coastal outdoor recreation
  12. Rachel Hollander.  Exploring the impacts of adventure therapy programs on mental health
  13. Sophie Faxon.  Locus of control and outdoor education
  • Teaching Fellows Inquiry Project [5 semester project]
  1. Maddie Anderson-LaPorte. Benefits of outdoor recreation and outdoor education on mental health
  2. Sally Doehr. How injuries affect the mental health and academic performance of student-athletes
  3. Katie Meier. Adventure based learning and the positive influences on mental illness
  • Leadership Fellows Senior Project (LED 499)
  1. Alyssa Spagnuolo. Break through the glass: Empowering women through leadership

Publications

Selected

(28 January 2022). Why teach through experiential education? In R. Parks (Ed.), Kilimanjaro, Millennial Style: The Mountain We Climbed (6-16). Hampshire, U.K.: Changemaker Books/John Hunt Publishing.

(2021) Hiking in the shadow of Mt Doom: how outdoor adventure programs can impact locus of control in university students. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, With E.M. Thomas. Can be found online at https://doi.org/10.1080/14729679.2021.2011336 

(12 June 2020). Can mental health be impacted by adventure programs? Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 91(1), A-31-32, Supplement. Can be found online at: https://doi.org/10.1080/02701367.2020.1773156

(2019, April). Remove social media: Enhancing interpersonal connections through experiential experiences. Research Quarterly For Exercise & Sport, 90 (1), A138, Supplement. Can be found online at: https://doi.org/10.1080/02701367.2019.1603010

(2019, March). A model for group processing in cooperative learning.  Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 90:3, 22-26. With S. Sutherland, P.T. Stuhr, J. Ressler & A.S. Wiggin. Can be found online at: https://doi.org/10.1080/07303084.2019.1559676

(2016, November).  Disruptive silence: Deepening experiential learning in the absence of sustaining technologies.  Journal of Adventure Education & Outdoor Learning, 18 (1), 1-14.  With R.L. Parks, J. Parrish & R. Swirsky. Can be found online at http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14729679.2016.1244646

(2016, April).  I teach Jim and Jane; I don’t teach gym.  In M. Shoffner (Ed.), Saviors, Scapegoats and Schoolmarms: Examining the Classroom Teacher in Fiction and Film for Teacher Education.  Oxon, UK: Routledge Press/Taylor & Francis Group [Chapter: Pages 103-107]

(2015, October). Exploring the challenges of academic advising for student veterans.  College & University Journal, 90 (4), 37-52. With R.L. Parks & E. Walker.

(2013, April).  Use of adventure based programs to aid in retention.  Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 84 (1), A70-71, Supplement.  With N.W. Sherman.

(2013, April).  Moral reasoning and adventure-based programs: Any affect?  Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 84 (1), A84-85, Supplement.

(2011, October)  Mental concentration as influenced by adventure activity.   Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership, 3 (3), 151-157.  With N.W. Sherman & E.E. Hall.

(2010, June).  Outdoor adventure program retains new students.  E-source for College Transitions Special Print Edition, 4-5.

(2010, March).  University students’ concentration during adventure activities.  Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 81 (1), A70-71, Supplement. With N.W. Sherman.

(2009 May).  Raising issues of student locus of control: Beginning a longitudinal study.  Research in Education, 81 (1), 63-65.  With R.J. Mihans, II.

(2008, September).  Outdoor adventure program retains new students.  E-source for College Transitions, 6 (1), 1-2, 14.

(2007, June).  A descriptive study examining flow experiences to outdoor activities.  Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 29, S166-S167, Supplement. With E.E. Hall & B. Nelson.

(2004, March).  Moral judgment differences between university athletes and non-athletes.  Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 75 (1) A105-106, Supplement.  With N.W. Sherman & M.M. Yarbrough.

Presentations

Selected

(10-13 November 2022). The impact of adventure programs on mental health of university students. Association of Experiential Education (AEE) Annual International Conference, 50th Year Celebration. Black Mountain, NC.

(25 May 2022). “Mental well-being: A library worker's toolkit”. TALA (Triad Academic Library Association) 9th Annual Conference, University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Winston-Salem, NC. With E.N. Small

(13-15 February 2022). Country and western and social dance. Health & Physical Education Literacy Summit 2022, Birmingham, AL. With S.C. Schaeffer Jr. & J.A. Lombardi.

(13-15 February 2022). Circle change dances that do not require a partner or equipment. Health & Physical Education Literacy Summit 2022, Birmingham, AL. With S.C. Schaeffer, Jr. & J.A. Lombardi.

(11-14 November 2021). Is Locus of Control impacted by outdoor adventure education study abroad program? AEE Annual International Conference (virtual). Poster

(13-17 April 2021). Using swing dance and blindfolds to enhance verbal teaching effectiveness. SHAPE America Annual Convention, virtual. With S.C. Schaeffer, Jr. & J.A. Lombardi.

(13-17 April 2021). Global awareness through dance. SHAPE America Annual Convention, virtual. With S.C. Schaeffer, Jr. & J.A. Lombardi.

(12-14 November 2020).  Study abroad in New Zealand – Let’s go! … Wait, I need to do what?  AEE International Conference, Pittsburgh, PA. Poster

(12-14 November 2020).  Mental health first aid workshop (and certification).  AEE International Conference, Pittsburgh, PA. Pre-conference workshop. With E.N. Small.

(28-30 October 2020).  Mental health first aid workshop (and certification).  AORE Annual Conference, Myrtle Beach, SC. Pre-conference workshop. With E.N. Small

(21-25 April 2020). Can mental health be impacted by adventure programs?  SHAPE (Society of Health and Physical Educators) America/Research Consortium (RC) Annual Convention, Salt Lake City, UT

(19-22 February 2020). Effective risk management and student development in outdoor education. 31st International Conference on Outdoor Leadership “Judgment the WEA Way: Making Decisions that Work” Honey Rock Outdoor Center for Leadership Development, Three Lakes, WI. With E.N. Small

(21-25 April 2020). Can mental health be impacted by adventure programs?  SHAPE (Society of Health and Physical Educators) America/Research Consortium (RC) Annual Convention, Salt Lake City, UT

(11-14 February 2020). Partnership between SEL and ABL.  Health & Physical Literacy Summit 2020, Birmingham, AL. With A.S. Wiggin & S.L. Sutherland

(9-13 April 2019). Remove social media: Enhancing inter-personal connections through experiential experiences.  SHAPE America/Research Consortium (RC) Annual Convention, Tampa, FL

(9-13 April 2019). Fostering social and emotional learning through adventure-based learning.  SHAPE America Annual Convention, Tampa, FL. With S.L. Sutherland, A.S. Wiggin, D. Oh & J.D. Ressler.

(14-15 February 2019).  Introduction to experiential education and reflective practice.  WISE (Workshop on Intercultural Skills Enhancement) Annual Conference (Wake Forest University), Winston-Salem, NC. With E.N. Small.

(1-4 November 2017).  21 days technology free – Any affect.  Research poster presented a North Carolina Alliance for Athletics, Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Dance and Sport Management Annual Convention (NCAAHPERD-SM) Annual Conference, Winston-Salem, NC.

(8-10 February 2017). Sports, academics and intercultural learning; study abroad classes for university athletic teams.  WISE Annual Conference, Winston-Salem, NC. With M. Cryan

(10-12 November 2016) Ways to address bullying in physical education.  NCAAHPERD-SM Annual Conference, Winston-Salem, NC.  With A.S. Wiggin.

(5-9 April 2016) Educating the “whole” child: Adventure in physical education. SHAPE America Annual Convention, Minneapolis, MN [half day pre-conference workshop]. With P. Stuhr, J.D. Ressler, S.L. Sutherland & A.S. Wiggin.

(5-9 April 2016) The ABCs of adventure based learning in physical education.  SHAPE America Annual Convention, Minneapolis, MN. With S.L. Sutherland, P. Stuhr, J.D. Ressler & A.S. Wiggin.

(10-13 February, 2016). Possible solutions to bullying in schools. SHAPE America Southern District Annual Convention, Williamsburg, VA. With A.S. Wiggin.

(10-13 February, 2016). Social dance for ALL. SHAPE America Southern District Annual Convention, Williamsburg, VA. With S.C. Schaeffer.

(10-13 February, 2016). No one left out:  Character education. SHAPE America Southern District Annual Convention, Williamsburg, VA. With A.S. Wiggin.

(28-30 October, 2015).  Anti-bullying classrooms through adventure based learning.  North Carolina Alliance for Athletics, Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Dance and Sport Management Annual Convention Annual Conference, Winston-Salem, NC. With A.S. Wiggin.

(17-21 March, 2015) Bullying in physical education:  Issues and possible solutions.  SHAPE America Annual Convention, Seattle, WA. With S.L. Sutherland, P.T. Stuhr, J.D. Ressler & A.S. Wiggin.

(18-21 February, 2015).  Character education through adventure based learning.  SHAPE America Southern District Annual Convention, Atlanta, GA. With A.S. Wiggin.

(20-21 November, 2014) Adventure based learning impacts character education.  NCAAHPERD-SM, Raleigh, NC. With A.S. Wiggin.

(1-5 April, 2014).  Assessment & adventure based learning across the gradespan.  American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (AAHPERD) Annual Convention, St. Louis, MO. With A.S. Wiggin & D.P. Grube.

(17-19 November, 2013).  Mabel C. Robinson Memorial Lecture: The great outdoors -  Where the possibilities are endless.  Alabama State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (ASAHPERD) Annual Convention, Hoover, AL.  This was an invited keynote presentation.

(23-27 April, 2013).  Julian Smith honor award presentation: The impact of outdoor education.  American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (AAHPERD) Annual Convention, Charlotte, NC.

(1-5 April, 2014).  Including adventure based education in an elementary physical education program.  AAHPERD Annual Convention, St. Louis, MO. With A.S. Wiggin.

(18-22 February, 2014).  National standards 5 & 6 aligned with adventure based learning.  Southern District of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (SD-AAHPERD) Annual Convention, Lexington, KY. With A.S. Wiggin, S. Sutherland, P.T. Stuhr & J. Ressler.

(23-27 April 2013).  Using adventure based learning to meet NASPE stands 5 & 6. AAHPERD, Charlotte, NC. With J. Ressler, S. Sutherland, P.T. Stuhr & A.S. Wiggin.

(23-27 April, 2013).  Moral reasoning and adventure based programs: Any affect?  American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance/Research Consortium (AAHPERD/RC) Annual Convention, Charlotte, NC.

(23-27 April, 2013).  Use of adventure based programs to aid in retention.  AAHPERD/RC, Charlotte, NC. With N.W. Sherman.

(9-11 November, 2012).  Adventure Based Learning for all.  Invited session presented at the VAHPERD Annual Convention, Roanoke, VA. With A.S. Wiggin.

(30 July-3 August, 2012).  Adventure-based learning across the lifespan.  Invited sessions presented at the 2012 National Physical Education Institute, Asheville, NC. With D.P. Grube & A.S. Wiggin.

(8-11 February 2012).  Experience the NC MODE (Macon Outdoor Developmental Education Program).  SD-AAHPERD Annual Convention, Orlando, FL. With A.S. Wiggin.

(16-19 November 2011).  Come dance with us. North Carolina Alliance for Athletics, Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (NCAAHPERD) Annual Conference, Winston-Salem, NC. With M. Bailey ‘12, M. Pullen ‘13, J. Wood ‘13, N. Cuthbertson ‘12, R. Brown ‘13, C. Harris ‘13 & S. Rusterholz ‘12.

(16-20 February 2011).  Outdoor education; Worth its weight in gold.  SD-AAHPERD Annual Convention, Greensboro, NC.

(March 2010).  Concentration of university students during adventure activities.  Poster presented at the AAHPERD/RC (Research Consortium) Annual Convention.  Indianapolis, IN. With N.W. Sherman.

(February 2010).  Can adventure programs affect student retention? SD-AAHPERD Annual Convention.  Myrtle Beach, SC.

(2009, July).  Assessing adventure programs as a retention tool.  Poster presented at the 22nd International Conference FYE, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. With S.L. Jennings, ‘11.

(2007, June).  A descriptive study examining flow responses to outdoor experiences during a 3-week study abroad course in Australia.  Poster presented at the Society for the Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity Convention, San Diego, CA. With E.E. Hall & B. Nelson.

(2005 March).  Outdoor skills: Curricular modules that align with the NASPE standards.  AAHPERD Annual Convention, Chicago, IL [Pre-convention ½ day workshop.]  With D. Chase, M. Chase, T. Coates, N. Davis, B. Gilchrest, T. Gilchrest, L. Morley & Nendel

Professional Activities

Mental Health First Aid Instructor

SHAPE America National Convention Presenter on sessions related to Adventure Based Learning and Anti-Bullying

SHAPE America Southern District Conference Presenter on sessions related to Adventure Based Learning and Anti-Bullying; and Dance for the Physical Educator

North Carolina Alliance for Athletics, Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Dance and Sport Management Conference Presenter on sessions related to Adventure Based Learning and Anti-Bullying; and Dance for the Physical Educator

Featured Presenter for US Games on Adventure Based Learning and Anti-Bullying

Master Educator for Leave No Trace Environmental Awareness

Service Activities

AT ELON UNIVERSITY, LAST 10 YEARS

  • Faculty/Staff Campaign
    • Team Captain, Health & Human Performance (2010-2017)
  • Elected Standing Committees
    • Promotion & Tenure Committee [School of Education representative] (2017-2019), Chair (2018-2019)
    • Academic Council [School of Education representative] (2011-2018)
      Chair (2013-2014) 
      Chair: Committee on Committees (2012-2013)
  • Truitt Center
    • Turning 21 - Welcome; Blessing; Keynote and Mentor (2003 to present)
  • Student Life
    • Facilitator – Elon Challenge Course (2003 to present)
  • Admissions
    • Spring Open House (2000 to present)
    • Fall Open House (1999 to present)
    • Fellows Weekend (2000-2007; 2009 to present)
  • Member: School of Education Curriculum Committee (2010-2013; chair 2010-2013; 2018-2020)

Personal Information

 

 

Awards

Professional Awards

Recreation Professional of the Year, 2017
SHAPE America, Southern District

Honor Award – Distinguished Service, 2016
SHAPE America, Southern District

Julian W. Smith Honor Award – Outstanding Leadership in Outdoor Education, 2013
Council on Adventure & Outdoor Education/Recreation (AAPAR/AAHPERD)

North Carolina College/University Physical Education Teacher of the Year, 2010
North Carolina Alliance for Athletics, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance

Elon University School of Education – Outstanding Service Award 2013

Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society, Faculty Member, inducted in 2010