WCU Stories      December 5, 2024

Andrew J. Bobilya, director of Western Carolina University’s experiential and outdoor education master’s program, is the recipient of the 2024 Dr. Betty van der Smissen Distinguished Researcher Award.

This prestigious award highlights the critical role of research in advancing experiential education and celebrates those whose efforts have made significant and lasting impacts on the field. It also recognizes individuals or teams whose long-term and productive research efforts have significantly advanced the field of experiential education.

The Association for Experiential Education has been a professional home for me since attending my first conference in 1994 and a place where I have met some incredible lifelong friends,” Bobilya said.  “I am honored to receive the Dr. Betty van der Smissen Distinguished Researcher Award. I look forward to continuing support AEE through my own work and encouraging our M.S. in experiential and outdoor education students at WCU to contribute to AEE as conference attendees and presenters.”

Bobilya has made substantial contributions to the field through his research on wilderness solitude, autonomous student experiences, the human-nature relationship, spirituality in outdoor programming, and college student transition programs.

In addition to his research, Bobilya has served AEE in various capacities, including the board of directors from 2005-2012 and as the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership from 2010-2018.

In addition to his teaching duties at WCU, Bobilya is the director of training and education at 2nd Nature TREC, which stands for Training, Research, Education and Consulting, and his dedication to the field is further exemplified by his ongoing commitment to mentoring students and colleagues.

“Andrew’s commitment to furthering experiential education is evidenced in his work and volunteerism but these accomplishments written on paper do not convey the passion, benevolence and graciousness he brings to his work,” said Sherry Bagley, executive director of the Association for Experiential Education. “His additions to experiential education research are exemplary and his furthering of the dissemination and accessibility of this research to students leave no doubts that he deserves this award.”