CEDAR CITY — Southern Utah University graduate Keith Howells returns to his alma mater Thursday to share his “Adventures off the Beaten Path” with students, educators and the general public in a free outdoor education series lecture.
The one-hour lecture will begin at 11:30 a.m. in the SUU Sharwan Smith Living Room Thursday.
Currently a student in the University of Utah parks, recreation, and tourism master’s program, Howells said he wants to help people find quick and easy, simple ways to get outdoors.
“I use adventure as a catalyst for learning and developing,” he said. “Adventure and being outside teaches the user who they are, how they deal with stress, what makes them happy and how to problem-solve.”
He is an “avid outdoor wanderer,” Howells said, explaining that he makes extra effort to be outside as often as possible experiencing something new — whether that’s a new place, new activity or visiting an old place with new people. Each adventure brings new teachings to the surface.
As an SUU student Howells was deeply involved with the university’s Outdoor Engagement Center while working on his bachelor’s degree.
“I worked tirelessly to grow the outdoor programs by creating and implementing an outdoor leadership training program,” he said.
He also played an instrumental role in establishing current trips and adventure programs, Howells said, adding that he co-instructed several skill-based courses including backpacking and canyoneering while working with others to create the “Adventure Orientation” program.
The outdoor education series is a collaborative endeavor between the SUU Outdoor Engagement Center and biology department that have joined forces to bring the public a new education series focusing on the environmental world of Southern Utah.
The series will continue until April 14, offering SUU students, faculty and staff as well as the general public an opportunity to learn more about the natural playground available in the region.
“On occasion, extension activities are planned for the weekend following a lecture to apply practical application,” an emailed description of the series from series coordinator Ashley Starr said.
Half of the series is dedicated to biology discussions every other Tuesday in the SUU Science Center building, Room 114 at 4 p.m.; and the other half features a “casual ‘lunch and learn’ atmosphere” every Thursday at 11:30 a.m. in the SUU Sharwan Smith Living Room.
February’s final biology presentation will focus on Department of Natural Resources outreach, volunteer services and wildlife recreation Feb. 24 at 4 p.m. in Room 114 of the SUU Science Center.
Attendance at outdoor education series lectures can range from 8 to 30 people of all ages, the description stated. Audience participation is encouraged through rhetorical questions, hands-on activities, probable scenarios, printouts and post lecture question and answer discussions.
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