Hi There! I’m Dr. Steve Sassaman
Educator, Researcher, Advocate
My Journey
Having the privilege of growing up on a farm in central Pennsylvania, I was not only able to develop creativity through play, but was able to experience a unique connection to the more-than-human world. Working at a residential summer camp with increasing responsibilities highlighted the value that engagement with nature can have on developing individuals into thoughtful leaders and engaged global citizens. I have had the opportunity to facilitate experiential programs ranging from one-hour workshops to week-long wilderness expeditions and seek to connect everyone from age 1 to 100 with the wonder that is our more-than-human world.
Currently, my research agenda includes identifying best practices to achieve positive mental health outcomes through outdoor activity and examining how socialized gender norms influence social and environmental injustice. My teaching interests include ecopsychology, experiential education, recreation & tourism management, and critical sustainability studies.
My Experience
April 2022 - Present
Assistant Director, Recreation Services & Outdoor Experiential Education, Temple University-Ambler Campus
Oversee recreation facilities and operations at Ambler Campus, manage challenge course, and develop outdoor experiential education programs.
February 2021 - Present
Adjunct Instructor, Temple University
Design and teach hybrid coursework in backpacking & camping, wilderness first aid & ethics, and adventure climbing consisting of remote asynchronous learning in conjunction with in-person field-based experiences.
November 2019 - March 2022
Associate Director of Campus Recreation, West Chester University
In addition to management of the Outdoor Adventure Pursuits program, I also oversaw the department's risk management procedures and training as well as assessment of campus recreation programs.
December 2020 - July 2021
Interim Associate Director of the Center for Civic Engagement and Social Impact, West Chester University
Managed the operations of the campus resource pantry including the direction of five staff and coordination with community partners. Served as the co-chair of the service-learning committee which identifies current best practices for and provides pedagogical support to infuse this framework across university curricula.
August 2015 - November 2019
Created the Outdoor Adventure Pursuits program including the management of an indoor climbing wall, student-led trips program, operation of a multi-site challenge course, and gear rental program.
Assistant Director of Campus Recreation, West Chester University
February 2014 - August 2015
Assistant Manager, Eastern Mountain Sports
Managed team of 15 sales staff, executed the visual layout of the store and designed the Holiday 2015 Men's Department Lookbook for the entire company. Coordinated outreach efforts with local community organizations.
July 2010 - December 2012
Student Activities Specialist, Cameron University
Coordinated campus service-learning and civic engagement resulting in the university being recognized on the President's Community Service Honor Roll. Coordinated Campus leadership development programs including workshops and advisement of 80 student organizations.
Education
August 2019 - Present
PhD in Sustainability Education, Prescott College
Research projects include looking at attitudes and motivations towards transportation choices, re-humanizing pedagogy, the influence of toxic masculinity on political and social issues, and fostering healthy masculinity in college students.
August 2007 - May 2011
Certificate in Outdoor Leadership, National Outdoor Leadership School
This month-long field course provided a space to develop applied educational strategies in the field specifically using the venues of backpacking and rock climbing.
August 2011 - December 2012
Thesis and practicum focused on applied diversity, equity, and inclusion programs to generate higher persistence rates in students of color, specifically African American Males.
M.Ed. in Higher Education
August 2007 - May 2010
BS in Business Administration, Susquehanna University (AACSB Accredited)
Program emphasis on marketing, specifically consumer behavior. Capstone focused on the market opportunities of the male fashion industry.
August 2019 - Present
PhD in Sustainability Education, Prescott College
Research projects include looking at attitudes and motivations towards transportation choices, re-humanizing pedagogy, the influence of toxic masculinity on political and social issues, and fostering healthy masculinity in college students.
August 2007 - May 2011
Certificate in Outdoor Leadership, National Outdoor Leadership School
This month-long field course provided a space to develop applied educational strategies in the field specifically using the venues of backpacking and rock climbing.
August 2011 - December 2012
Thesis and practicum focused on applied diversity, equity, and inclusion programs to generate higher persistence rates in students of color, specifically African American Males.
M.Ed. in Higher Education
August 2007 - May 2010
BS in Business Administration, Susquehanna University (AACSB Accredited)
Program emphasis on marketing, specifically consumer behavior. Capstone focused on the market opportunities of the male fashion industry.
August 2019 - May 2022
Doctor of Philosophy in Sustainability Education, Prescott College
Research projects include looking at attitudes and motivations towards transportation choices, re-humanizing pedagogy, the influence of toxic masculinity on political and social issues, and shifting perceptions of masculinity through outdoor experiential education.
August 2020 - August 2021
Graduate Certificate in Nature-Based Counseling, Prescott College (CACREP Accredited)
Program based in ecopsycholgy and the role nature-based interventions can play in both formal counseling and therapeutic approaches. In addition to coursework, the program consists of four field-based intensives.
August 2007 - May 2011
Certificate in Outdoor Leadership, National Outdoor Leadership School
This month-long field course provided a space to develop applied educational strategies in the field specifically using the venues of backpacking and rock climbing.
August 2011 - December 2012
Thesis and practicum focused on applied diversity, equity, and inclusion programs to generate higher persistence rates in students of color, specifically African American men.
Master of Education in Higher Education
August 2007 - May 2010
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Susquehanna University (AACSB Accredited)
Program emphasis on marketing, specifically consumer behavior. Capstone focused on the market opportunities of the men's fashion industry.