Shari Wilson

Experience and Interests

Teaching

• Associate Lecturer, UW-Stevens Point (2024-present)
• Adjunct Sustainability Faculty, Southern New Hampshire University (2023-present)

Research Interests

• Place-based Learning
• Experiential Learning
• Biocultural Diversity
• Impacts of Green Schoolyards on Health, Learning, and Play
• Youth Civic Engagement

Professional Experience

• International Sustainability Education Consultant, Project Central, Kansas City, KS (2012-present)
• International Visitor Liaison, U.S. State Department, Kansas City, KS (2024-present)
• Statewide Partnerships and Planning Director, KACEE (1997-2011)

Presentations and Publications

Publications

• Wilson, S. L. (2024, April 17). Integrating biocultural diversity into urban school grounds through transdisciplinary curriculum design. Urban Ecosystems, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11252-024-01541-1.

Involvement

Community

• Board Member, Owen/Cox Dance Group
• Steering Committee Member, Climate Council General Knowledge Center

International

• Founding Member, International School Grounds Alliance
• Election Observer to Ukraine, Belarus, and Uzbekistan, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe

Professional Memberships

• Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences
• Ecological Society of America
• Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education
• Missouri Environmental Education Association
• National Science Teaching Association
• Natural Start Alliance
• North American Association of Environmental Education

Fun Facts

Last book you read?

All In: An Autobiography by Billie Jean King

Best advice you ever received?

“Keep moving; you’re burning daylight!” from my grandfather the farmer!

Favorite Quote?

“Effort is non-negotiable.” – Professional tennis player Victoria Azarenka

One thing about your school that you are most proud of?

I’m proud of the way the Ed.D. program models sustainability by supporting its students’ needs and decisions as they make their way through the program. I also love the broad range of backgrounds and professions represented in the program, as we can learn from each other and extend our circles of influence into new areas.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?

Exchanging ideas with students and watching them incorporate what they are learning into their work.

A piece of advice for students in your school?

The journey through the Ed.D. program is yours; follow your passion and come away with something that will transform your work and your life.