Hunter Holland
Assistant Director of Campus Recreation for Experiential Learning & Outdoor Adventures
Department: Campus Recreation
Email: hholland5@elon.edu
Education
CPRP National Recreation & Park Association, 2025
Ph. D., Parks, Protected Areas & Outdoor Recreation Management Clemson University; 2018
M.S., Adventure Recreation & Experiential Education Ohio University; 2015
B.S., Outdoor Adventure Recreation Appalachian State University; 2010
Employment History
Parks and People LLC. - Co-founder and Owner 2019-present
- Research firm specializing in the seamless integration of evidence-based and adaptable outdoor and adventure recreation, conservation, and education initiatives.
- Recent notable accomplishments: Awarded $60,000 to lead public engagement related to the development of a 200-acre Recreational Conservation Area Master Plan (2020). Awarded Business Partner of the Year (2022) by the Alaska Recreation & Parks Association.
University of North Carolina Wilmington – Assistant Professor 2021-2024
- Select areas of instruction include: Outdoor Recreation; Inclusive Recreation Programming; Advanced Human Resource Management; Program Design and Facilitation; Leadership and Management of Recreation Services; Management of Adventure Recreation; others.
- Pioneered and successfully instituted new non-profit outdoor recreation degree line for undergraduate students (integrated virtual and in-person education methods).
- Maintained a rigorous research, presentation, and publication presence focused on the application of experiential learning practices and in a broad range of environment, economic, and social contexts.
University of North Carolina Wilmington - Lecturer 2018-2021
- Awarded grant funding (North Carolina Recreation and Parks Association) to design, facilitate, and evaluate a 6-week environmental education program for underrepresented youth in collaboration with the Wilmington Parks and Recreation Division (2020/2021). Exceeded grant amount through private fundraising; Enrolled 50+ students in first year of programming; Recruited and trained UNCW undergraduates as program instructors and researchers; Established collaborations with relevant practitioners as student mentors and content area specialist.
- Further notable accomplishments: Faculty Senator advocating for the Black Students’ Collation and social advocacy; Faculty Advisory Council President; Facilitated >2,000 student service-learning hours over 2 academic years; Engaged students in professional collaborations with diverse agencies across the U.S.
Clemson University - Co-Instructor and Graduate Research Assistant 2015-2018
- Select areas of instruction include: Administration of Outdoor Recreation Programs (Commercial, Educational, and Non-profit); Recreation Resource Planning; Mount Shasta Expeditionary Mountaineering; others.
- Notable accomplishments: Collaborated with the North Carolina Outward Bound School to evaluate the experiences of students Educators’ Initiative Program (2007-2018). Engaged in all programming elements as a student, researcher, and experiential education enthusiast. Project report presented to NCOBS.
Alaska Mountain Guides Climbing School Inc. - Lead Field Instructor/ Skagway Site Manager International Wilderness Leadership School - Lead Field Instructor 2007-2011
Notable accomplishments: Mentored a seasonal staff of 45+. Responsibilities included training and advancement opportunities, equipment and site logistics, risk management procedures, and integration of innovative recruitment measures. Instructed 24+ day backcountry expeditions throughout Alaska, the continental U.S. and the Yukon Territories in content areas including: Glaciated mountaineering; Rock and ice-climbing; Sea-kayaking; Skiing; among others.Courses Taught
Marketing in Tourism, Recreation & Sport
Course Description: Course introduces the development of marketing plans and strategies for recreation, sport and tourism industries. Emphasis on analyzing the marketing process and planning the marketing mix.
Advanced Field Experience in Recreation, Sport Leadership & Tourism Management
Course Description: Course serves as an applied learning practicum experience for students.
Practicum in Recreation Services
Course Description: Course serves as an abbreviated applied learning experience within the recreation, sport, and tourism professional fields.
Advanced Human Resource Management in Recreation
Course Description: Course serves as an examination and investigation of contemporary human resource management principles and techniques in the management of recreation services. Human resource management motivational theories and practices. In-depth case study analysis, simulations, and hands-on practical experiences.
Inclusive Recreation Services
Course Description: Course oriented on furthering students’ awareness of and sensitivity to the recreation and leisure needs of persons with disabilities. Specific attention is given to programmatic and administrative strategies for inclusive services in a variety of recreation settings.
Leisure and Society
Course Description: Course serves as an introduction to leisure as a significant force in contemporary life. The importance of leisure for individuals, groups and cultures is explored through social, technological, psychological, historical, philosophical, anthropological, and economic foundations.
Special Issues in Recreation: Outdoor Recreation
Course Description: Course explores trends and issues related to outdoor recreation management including programmed elements of risk, educational philosophies, designed environments, environmental stewardship, among others.
Leadership and Management of Recreation Services
Course Description: Course uncovers principles and practices of contemporary leisure service management, particularly the effective and efficient management of human, fiscal, informational, and physical resources through planning, organizing, directing, leading, and controlling decisions.
Program Planning and Leadership
Course Description: Course serves as an introduction to recreation program planning, including: needs assessments, organization, implementation, and evaluation of leisure services.
Sport, Culture and Society
Course Description: Course explores the role of sport in contemporary American society, how sport is linked to the structure and dynamics of social organizations, and the impact of sports on culture, specifically values, ethics, race, gender discrimination, economics and the media.
Conceptual Foundations of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management
Course Description: Course introduces students to the background, nature and scope of the profession, including its history, philosophy, and social and behavioral science underpinnings.
World Geography of Parks and Protected Areas:
Course Description: Major international patterns in the provision and use of urban and rural parks and recreation are examined.
Recreation Resource Planning in Forest Management
Course Description: Analysis of forest recreation as a component of multiple use forest management; techniques of planning; physical and biological effects on forest environments; and forest site, user, and facility management (Included 3-hour lab).
Administration of Outdoor Recreation Programs (commercial, educational, and non-profit)
Course Description: Course uncovers administrative practices of commercial, educational, and non-profit outdoor recreation agencies.
Principles of Ecotourism
Course Description: Course introduce students to both theory and practical applications of concepts surrounding ecotourism and sustainable development.
I have also taught academic courses oriented around technical skill development in natural environments. Select examples include: 1) Outdoor Leadership 2) Backpacking 3) Sea-kayaking 4) Outdoor Living Skills 5) Winter Wilderness Living Skills 6) Wilderness Survival Skills 7) Flat-Water Kayaking 8) Cross-Country Skiing 9) Caving 10) Mountain-Biking 11) Rock-Site Facilitation 12) Sport Climbing 13) Traditional Multi-Pitch Climbing 14) Mountaineering 15) Stand Up Paddle Boarding 16) Skiing, and 17) Surfing among others.
Research
RESEARCH INTERESTS AND OVERVIEW
My research specializes in constructing, management, and assessment of recreation and sport experiences serving diverse and underrepresented populations. My research uses a variety of social science methods to uncover the influence of novel learning environments, unique social interactions, and the breadth of personal and professional outcomes associated with participation. My work has focused on a variety of topics, including:
- Experiences of participants of color participating in recreation and sport
- Participants’ successful transference of recreation and sport experiences into other contexts (e.g. school, home)
- Universally designed recreation and sport experiences for diverse populations
- Outdoor recreation, health and well-being
- Environmental education and stewardship behaviors
RESEARCH MANUSCRIPT PUBLICATIONS
Lee, J., Shorrock, T., Miga, C., Holland, W. H., (2024 Under Review). Ideas to Action in Experiential Education: Creative Risk-taking for Deeper Self-understanding and Reflection. Journal of Experiential Education
Holland, W. H., & Holland, K. E., Farline, N. (2024 Under Review). Assessing Mobility and Place Attachment in the Development of Nature-based Recreation Areas. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education and Leadership
Holland, W. H., Powell, R. B., Holland, K. K. (2023). The Influence of Experiential Wilderness-based Professional-development on Educator Character and Practices. Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education
Morris, L., Holland, W. H., Twilley, D. (2022). Testing the DRAMMA Model of Leisure and Subjective Wellbeing on College Students. Building Healthy Academic Communities Journal.
Twilley, D., Morris, L., Holland, W. H., & Holland, K. E. (2022). An Examination of DRAMMA Model Outcomes for Campus Recreation Users. Recreation Sports Journal
Holland, W. H., Powell, R. B., Holland, K. E., & Garst, B. (2021). Experiential Wilderness-Based Professional Development: Beliefs and Confidence of Participant Educators. Journal of Experiential Education.
Holland, K. E., & Holland, W. H. (2021). Impacts of Tourism on Support for Conservation, Local Livelihoods, and Community Resilience around Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. Journal of Sustainable Tourism.
Holland, W. H., Powell, R. B., & Holland, K. K. (2020). Wilderness-Based Professional Development for Educators: Exploring Outcomes and Influential Programmatic Elements. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership.
Holland, K. K. **, Larson, L., Powell, R., Holland, W. H., Allen, L., Nabaala, M., Seno, S., Nampushi, J. (2020). Connections between Tourism Involvement and Conservation Support in Local Communities Surrounding Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. Special Issue of Journal of Sustainable Tourism: Protected Areas and Community Livelihoods.
Holland, W. H. (2019). Investigating Experiential Wilderness-Based Professional Development for K-12 Educators. ProQuest ETD.
Allen, L., Holland, K. E., Holland, W. H., Tome, S., Nabaala, M., Seno, S., Nampushi, J. (2018). Expanding Staff Voice in Protected Area Management Effectiveness Assessments within Kenya's Maasai Mara National Reserve. Environmental Management.
Holland, W. H., Powell, R. B., Thompsen, J. M., Monz, C. A. (2018). A Systematic Review of the Psychological, Social, and Educational Outcomes Associated with Participation in Wildland Recreational Activities. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership.
Stone, G. A., Duffy, L. N., Holland, W. H., & Bowers, E. P. (2018). Facilitating adolescent identity development through sister cities international. Tourism Analysis.
PROJECT REPORTS PUBLISHED
Holland, W. H., Holland, K. K. 2023. Report of Findings. A report prepared for the City of Kennewick WA Parks and Recreation Division
Holland, W. H., Holland, K. K. 2022. Report of Findings. A report prepared for the City of Wilmington NC Parks and Recreation Division’s Inclusion, Diversity & Equity Advancement Committee.
Holland, W. H., Holland, K. K., 2020. Commissioning Human Capacity. Stakeholder and Visitor Perceptions of the Development, Use, and Conservation of Meals Hill Recreation Area. A report prepared for the Great Land Trust, Huddle LLC, and the City of Valdez, AK Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Department.
Holland, W. H., Powell, R., 2018. Evaluating the Impact of the North Carolina Outward Bound Educator Initiative Program in Fostering Personal Growth and Confidence in Educator’s Implementation of Experiential Education Methods. A report prepared for the North Carolina Outward Bound School.
Allen, L., Krafte, K., Holland, W. H., 2017. Building a Sustainable Management System for Maasai Mara National Reserve: Understanding Staff and Community Members Perceptions of the Management of the MMNR and their Attitudes Toward Wildlife, Conservation and Environmental Issues. A report prepared for the County of Narok, Africa.
Powell, R., Holland, W. H., Thomsen, J., Monz, C. 2017. A Systematic Review of the Psychological, Sociological, and Educational Outcomes Associated with Participation in Wildland Recreational Activities. A report prepared for the Storer Foundation.
PUBLISHED INTELLECTUAL CONTRIBUTIONS
Holland, W. H. (Fall 2018). Performance-Enhancing Drugs. In Skye G. Arthur-Banning (Ed.), Youth Sports in America: The Most Important Issues in Youth Sports Today (pp. 270-276). Santa Barbara, California: ABC-CLIO, LLC.
Holland, W. H. (Fall 2018). Popular Youth Sports in the United States. In Skye G. Arthur-Banning (Ed.), Youth Sports in America: The Most Important Issues in Youth Sports Today (pp. 369-394). Santa Barbara, California: ABC-CLIO, LLC.
Holland, W. H., Martin, B. (Spring 2016). The Development of Judgment and Decision Making in Outdoor Leaders: An Actor-Oriented Transfer Perspective. Coalition for Education in the Outdoors Research Symposia Abstracts.
Presentations
Holland, W. H., Lee, J., Shorrock, T., Miga, C. (2023) Moderated session Association of Experiential Education Conference. Ideas to Action in Experiential Education: Creative Risk-taking for Deeper Self-understanding and Reflection.
Farline, N. C., & Holland, W. H., (2022) Academics & Parks Department Form the Perfect Relationship in Rural Alaska: The Success Story on How to Develop While Still Conserving Natural Spaces. National Recreation and Parks Association Conference.
Holland, W. H., (2022). NC Advancing Collaborative Research Excellence (NC ACRE). Symposium Focused on Health Impacts of Climate Change., "Communicating Attachment in Nature-based Public Health," NC Advancing Collaborative Research Excellence, Zoom.
Holland, W. H., Shields, T. (2022) Exploring the Influence of Adventure Education Elements on Student Outcomes. Coalition of Education in the Outdoor Symposium.
Holland W. H., & Stellhorn, S. (2021). Utilizing Place Attachment for the Development of Nature-based Recreation Areas. UNCW’s 2021 CSURF Poster showcase
Holland, W. H., (2021). Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Assessment Committee: Phase. One, "DEI Assessment Phase One: Project Report SELECT FINDINGS," Wilmington Parks and Recreation Division, Zoom.
Holland, W. H., & Holland, K. E., Farline N. C., (2021) Advancing Community Connectivity: Developing a Nature Park Master Plan. 18th Annual North American Association of Environmental Education Research Symposium
Holland, W. H., & Farline, N. C.,. (2021). Alaska Recreation & Parks Association Conference: "Better Together: Building Strong, Healthy, and Resilient Communities, "Engaging Stakeholders in the Development of Natural Municipal Recreational Destinations," Alaska Recreation & Parks Association, Valdez, AK.
Stellhorn, A., & Holland, W. H., (2021). 2021 Center for Support of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (CSURF) Poster showcase, "Utilizing Place Attachment for the Development of Nature-based Recreation Areas," University of North Carolina Wilmington, Virtual.
Holland, W. H., & Brinson, C. (2021). North Carolina Recreation & Parks Association Annual Symposium, "Zooming In On Equity in Wildlife Exploration," North Carolina Recreation & Parks Association, Winston Salem NC.
Holland, W. H., (2021). Wilmington Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, "Results; Wildlife Explorers' Program 2021," Wilmington Parks and Recreation Division.
Holland, W. H., & Holland, K. E. (2021). Meals Hill Nature Park February Public Meeting, "Presentation of Trail and Access Concepts," Valdez AK Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Department, Virtual.
Holland, K. K., & Holland, W. H (2020). Results and Implications; Conservation and Wildlife Values and Behaviors of Recreationists. Valdez, AK City Commission Bear Meeting. Virtual Presentation.
Holland, W. H., Brinson, C. (Undergraduate collaboration), & Holland, K. K. (2020). Do Wilderness-based PD Trainings Influence Educators’ Environmental Stewardship? Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education Annual International Conference. Virtual Presentation.
Berry, D, E. (Undergraduate collaboration), Holland, W. H., Morris, L., & Holland, K. K. (2020). Exploration of Mental Health Training in Summer Camp Staff Settings. Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education Annual International Conference. Virtual Presentation.
Holland, W. H., & Holland, K. K. (2020). Meals Hill Nature Park November Public Meeting. A Shared Vision: Results from the Listen and Learn Phase: Community Stakeholder Results. Valdez AK Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Department, Valdez AK: Virtual Presentation.
Holland, W. H., & Holland, K. K. (2020). Meals Hill Nature Park November Public Meeting. A Shared Vision: Results from the Listen and Learn Phase: Visitor Results. Valdez AK Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Department, Valdez AK: Virtual Presentation.
Holland, W. H. (2020). SWAN WOW (Virtual Week of Wellness) Symposium. A Process Oriented Form of Wellness: An Adventure Educator's Perspective. Virtual Presentation
Holland, W. H. (2020). Meals Hill Master Plan Development. Meals Hill Master Plan Development Process. City of Valdez, AK, The Great Land Trust, and Corvus Design. Virtual Presentation.
Donaldson, J. (Undergraduate collaboration), Becton, J. (Undergraduate collaboration), Frank, M. (Undergraduate collaboration), Plemmons, K. (Undergraduate collaboration), Seaman, A. N., & Holland, W. H. (2020). College of Health and Human Services Research and Innovation Day (Canceled: COVID-19). Van Life Romanticized: A Photo Elicitation Study. University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC.
Machacek, A. (Undergraduate collaboration), Holland, W. H., Shields, A. T. **, & Brownlee, S. L. (2020). College of Health and Human Services Research and Innovation Day (Canceled: COVID-19). Investigating the Influence of Adventure Education Elements on Students' Forms of Personal Development. University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC.
Holland, W. H., Powell, R.B., Holland, K.K., Berry, D.M. (Undergraduate student collaboration; 2020) Life Giving Education: Investigating the Challenges Experienced by Educators Integrating Experiential Teaching Methods. Wilderness Education Association Conference. Three Lakes, Wisconsin.
Holland, W. H., Powell, R.B., Holland, K.K., Foster. W.J. (2020) Understanding Beliefs and Confidence of Educators Participating in Experiential Wilderness-based Professional Development. Wilderness Education Association Conference. Three Lakes, Wisconsin.
Holland, W. H., Ruzewski, T. A. (Undergraduate student collaboration; 2019). UNCW Seahawk Leadership Conference, Don't Limit Your Challenges; Challenge Your Limits! Office of Student Leadership and Engagement and planned by the Seahawk Leadership Advisory Council (SLAC), Wrightsville Beach Room located in the Fisher Union.
Holland, K.K. , Larson, L., Powell, R., Holland, W. H., Allen, L., Nabaala, M., Seno, S., & Nampushi, J. (2019). Pathways: Human Dimensions of Wildlife Conference. What predicts tolerance of predators? A framework for assessing social suitability for conservation around Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. Colorado State University and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado.
Holland, W. H., (2019). W. Hunter Holland's Dissertation Defense. Investigating Experiential Wilderness-Based Professional Development for K-12 Educators. Clemson University, Clemson SC.
Holland, W. H., (2019). National Environment and Recreational Research Symposium. Does experiential wilderness-based training influence secondary educator’s importance and confidence utilizing experiential teaching methods? SUNY College of Environmental Sciences and Forestry, Annapolis, MD.
Holland, W. H., (2018). Educator's Initiative Professional Development Course, Results: Evaluation Experiential Wilderness-Based Professional Development for K-12 School Educators. North Carolina Outward Bound, Brevard, NC.
Holland, W.H., Holland, K.K. (2018). Investigating the Unique Influences of Nature-Based Experience on Youth: An Ecological Perspective. Southeastern Recreational Research Conference. Asheville, NC.
Holland, W. H., (2017). Investigating the Influence of Experiential Wilderness based Professional Development on K-12 Educators Confidence in, and Implementation of, Experiential Teaching Methods. Southeast Recreation Research Conference Athens, GA.
Holland, W. H., Powell, R, B. (2017). A Systematic Review of the Psychological, Sociological, and Educational Outcomes Associated with Participation in Wildland Recreational Activities. Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education Annual Conference. Norfolk, VA.
Holland, W. H., Martin, B. (2016). The Development of Judgment and Decision Making in Outdoor Leaders: An Actor-Oriented Transfer Perspective. Coalition for Education in the Outdoor Symposium. Three Woods, IN.
Holland, W. H., (2016). An Alternative Transfer Perspective Towards Advancing Judgment and Decision Making in Outdoor Leaders: A Student-Based Transfer Perspective. Health Education & Human Development Research Forum. Clemson, SC.
Personal Information
>20 years professional experience in a range of leadership roles in adventure and experiential education
Recognitions of excellence in teaching, research, and service
Extensive design, implementation, management, evaluation, and consultation experience in the field of outdoor education and recreation.
Success in outdoor education business development and innovative student/practitioner engagements
Inspirational communicator, strategic advisor, and effective team manager
Advanced understanding of adventure recreation’s influential elements and associated student and community outcomes
Leadership roles in governing outdoor recreation and education associations
Founding advisory-board member for non-profit adventure education organization
Demonstrations of cultural responsiveness and social advocacy leading to organizational change
Served as vast university and educational leadership roles (e.g., faculty, senator, advising)
Skills
Group development (e.g., fostering compassion, respecting adversity, integrating novel educational initiatives, process orientation, facilitating successful training transference)
Establishing accountability via physically and emotionally safe adaptable learning contexts
Articulate and persuasive communicator (recognized for strong interpersonal skills)
Dissemination of deliberate communication strategies for culturally diverse audiences (e.g., social media, project reports, manuscript writing)
Technical outdoor recreation skills (e.g., rope management, risk management, wilderness navigation, water sports, caving, biking, etc)
Designing SMART goals and objectives, acquiring stakeholder investment, and tracking progress in dynamic professional environments