MOST RECENT/NOTABLE PUBLISHED WORK

McCole, D., Bobilya, A., Holman, T. and Lindley, B. (2019). Benefits of Summer Camp: What Do Parents Value? Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership, Vol. 11, Issue 3.

Holman, T., Bobilya, A. and Lindley, B. (2018). "10th Annual Trends and Issues in Outdoor Experiential Education Programs" at the 46th Annual International Association of Experiential Education (AEE) Conference in Orlando, FL; Nov 8, 2018.

McCole, D., Bobilya, A., Lindley, B., and Holman, T. (2018). An Investigation of Parents’ Perceptions of the Value of a Summer Camp Experience Abstract from the Coalition for Education in the Outdoors 14th Biennial Research Symposium January 12-14, 2018.

Bobilya, A., Lindley, B., Faircloth, W.B., and Holman, T., (2017). A Qualitative Analysis of Participant Learning and Growth Using a New Outward Bound Outcomes Instrument, Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership, Vol. 9, No. 2, pp. 254–257.

WHAT AREA DO YOU TEACH?

Recreation and Park Administration; Outdoor Adventure Education

EDUCATION/DEGREE(S)

Ph.D. in Education; Major: Recreation Parks and Leisure Studies; Emphasis: Outdoor
Ed. /Rec; University of Minnesota(2004)
Master of Science in Experiential Education; Minnesota State University(2000)
Bachelor of Science, Biology Secondary Education; Asbury University(1992)

YOUR PHILOSOPHY OF TEACHING:

My personal philosophy of teaching stems from being a firm believer in experience based education. I believe in the proverb, “Tell me and I will forget, show me and I may remember, involve me and I will understand.” I have found in my teaching that students learn best when they are involved in the learning process. I know that we must have a working knowledge of the theory and philosophies that underlie what we are learning and doing in the classroom. All of my classes involve group projects, creative individual projects and presentations, students teaching students, and hands on learning along with some lecture, reading and exams. I also find that making connections with real life observations and examples to the topic helps students to better grasp the concepts. My teaching style is most reflective of that of a facilitator. I see myself as providing that facilitation of students understandings of themselves and the world around them and how they can be more effective in the life and career they will pursue.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO TEACH?

I love teaching and I am so privileged to be able to work with students who are going to go out and change the world; I can’t believe I get to be a small part of shaping their lives in college. .

CREDENTIALS/CAREER PATH

I have been teaching and leading outdoor adventure experiences for 30 years. I have 5 years teaching experience in the public classroom and took a 35 day instructors course with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). Prior to coming to Southeast, I was assistant professor at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, MN.

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHT

Wilderness First Responder, WMI of NOLS Leave No Trace Master Educators NOLS Risk Managers Certification National Outdoor Leadership School: NOLS Instructors Course

AWARD/HONOR/RECOGNITION

College of Health and Human Services Outstanding Teacher Award; Southeast Missouri State University. This award is focused on bringing recognition of exceptional community and professional service in teaching.

Educator of the Year Award; Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce. This award is focused on bringing recognition of excellence in education and is given to one Southeast Missouri State University Faculty member annually.

ORGANIZATION WITH WHICH YOU ARE INVOLVED

Associate Editor for Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education and Leadership
Council Member for Girardot Center for Youth and Families Community Liaison Council; MO Division of Youth Services
Professional Memberships: Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education (AORE) Association for Experiential Education (AEE) Missouri Park and Recreation Association (MPRA)

BEST ADVICE FOR STUDENTS

Show up and do the work; just like any job! Take time to enjoy your college experience – EAT THE MEAL!