Sam Keith, PhD
Department Chair, Outdoor LeadershipAssistant Professor, Outdoor Leadership
sam.keith@ngu.edu
Unit: College of Humanities and Sciences, School of Health and Wellness, Outdoor Leadership
Location: Tigerville
True education is a kind of never ending story a matter of continual beginnings, of habitual fresh starts, of persistent newness. - J.R.R. Tolkien
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Teaching & Education
PhD, Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management, University of Georgia
MS, Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management, Clemson University
BS, Recreation, Park & Tourism Sciences, Texas A&M University -
Professional Experience
I joined the North Greenville faculty in April 2022. Previously, I have worked as an outdoor recreation instructor, research and teaching assistant, minister at a local church, camp counselor, rock climbing instructor, construction project manager, among others.
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Selected Publications
- Larson, L. R., Rivera-Zuniga, J., Garst, B., Keith, S., Sudman, D., & Browne, L. (2023). Going Green: Investigating Environmental Sustainability Practices in Camp Organizations across the United States. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership, 15(1).
- Wynveen, C. J., Woosnam, K. M., Keith, S. J., & Barr, J. (2021). Support for wilderness preservation: An investigation of the roles of place attachment and environmental worldview.Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism,泭35, 100417.
- Vayer, V., Larson, L. R., Peterson, M. N., Lee, K. J., Von Furstenberg, R., Choi, D., Stevenson, K., Ahlers, A., Anhalt-Depies, C., Bruskotter, J., Chizinski, C., Dayer, A., Farmer, J., Ghasemi, B., Gigliotti, L., Graefe, A., Irwin, K., Keith, S. J., Kelly, M., Woosnam, K. M. (2021). Diverse university students across the United States reveal promising pathways to hunter recruitment and retention. Journal of Wildlife Management.
- Landon, A. C., Woosnam, K. M., Kyle, G. T., & Keith, S. J. (2020). Psychological needs satisfaction and attachment to natural landscapes. Environment and Behavior.
- Lum, C. S., Keith, S. J., & Scott, D. (2020). The long-distance hiking social world along the Pacific Crest Trail. Journal of Leisure Research, 51(2), 165-182.
- Keith, S. J., & Boley, B. (2019). Importance-Performance Analysis of Local Resident Greenway Users: Findings from Three Atlanta BeltLine Neighborhoods. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 44(2019), 126426.
- Keith, S. J., Larson, L. R., Shafer, C. S., Hallo, J. C., & Fernandez, M. (2018). Greenway use and preferences in diverse urban communities: Implications for trail design and management. Landscape and Urban Planning, 172, 47-59.
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Selected Awards Received
Mr. Terence and Ms. Sheila Green NRRT Award (2019), Warnell School of Forestry and Natural
Resources, University of GeorgiaYoung Alumni Scholarship for Leadership Training (2018), Warnell School of Forestry and Natural
Resources, University of GeorgiaGraduate Student Award of Excellence (2016), College of Health, Education and Human Development, Clemson University
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My Story
Growing up near San Antonio, Texas, I developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors. Since moving to Upstate South Carolina in 2014, I have continued to pursue both personal and professional interests in outdoor leadership, recreation, and conservation. In my teaching, I seek to faithfully integrate the theological, historical, and practical dimensions of parks, conservation, and outdoor recreation management. I am particularly interested in how outdoor recreation and natural resources contribute to the flourishing of individuals and communities. Since joining the faculty at 51勛圖 in 2022, I have been grateful for the opportunity to teach at an institution that encourages the integration of faith and learning. I am married to Abby and we have three children: Walker, Lucy, and Robin.

