Case Studies

National Geographic recognizes NOLS grad and WEMT Jim Reynolds for his unprecedented free solo climb up and down Patagonia’s Cerro Fitz Roy in March 2019.

NOLS Wilderness Medicine Curriculum Director and Senior Instructor Tod Schimelpfenig shares first aid tips with Popular Science magazine.

Adaptive Biotechnologies CEO and NOLS grad Chad Robins says his leadership style is based on the lessons he learned during his Spring Semester in the Rockies.

NOLS graduate and former instructor Jimmy Chin and his wife and co-director E. Chai Vasarhelyi won an Oscar for Free Solo, their film chronicling Alex Honnold's unprecedented climb of El Capitan without ropes or safety equipment.

NOLS is celebrating the fact that local, grassroots conservation efforts can make a big difference in preserving the crown jewels of the United States' public lands.

The RV rental company Outdoorsy recommends NOLS Wilderness Medicine training as one of their top five picks for using paid time off.

Environmental journalist Sara Sneath reflects on the life-changing three months she spent in the Rockies on a NOLS outdoor educator semester in fall 2019.

In February 2019, Outside recognized NOLS Wilderness Medicine instructor Liza Howard for her outstanding ultrarunning performances. She says balancing a busy schedule of work, running, and parenting is key to her success.

The Mercury News recognized 30 UC Santa Cruz students who completed a NOLS Wilderness First Responder recertification in January 2019.

Evan Marie Allison, associate director of the University of Michigan’s Sanger Leadership Center, reflects on the lessons she learned on a NOLS Alaska backpacking course in summer 2018.

In August 2018, nine Georgetown MBA students backpacked through Wyoming’s Wind River Range on a NOLS Custom Education expedition, gaining valuable leadership experience.

U.S. Naval Academy senior and NOLS Yukon grad Anne Richter recently received a Marshall Scholarship to pursue a master’s at Sheffield University before training as a naval submariner.

At the 2018 Association for Experiential Education (AEE) conference, NOLS Health Review Manager Joe Austin received the Servant Leader Award in recognition of his excellent leadership during nine years of service on the Accreditation Council.

U.S. Naval Academy senior and NOLS Alaska grad Margaret Dods recently received a Rhodes Scholarship to pursue a masters at Oxford before her service in the Marine Corps.

NOLS semester grad Meredith Lind discovered the power of active followership while sea kayaking in New Zealand. As a software consultant and developer, Meredith frequently applies the concept of active followership in the office.

During their 2018 summer break, two rising seniors at Branksome Hall girls’ school received scholarships to fund NOLS expeditions of their choice, returning home with newfound leadership skills.

Winterline gap year students share reflections on an eight-day NOLS expedition spent backpacking through Gila National Forest in September 2018.

The NOLS Med Kit 4.0 makes the short list of a former park ranger’s recommended gifts for outdoorsy friends. Like wool socks, a good light, and water filtration device, a NOLS med kit is a must-have for backcountry trips.

In a conversation with Wyoming Public Media after three Wyoming counties opted out of a collaborative land management process, NOLS Rocky Mountain Assistant Director Andy Blair commented that lifting protections on wilderness study areas will negatively impact student experiences.

At the October 2018 Wilderness Risk Management Conference (WRMC) in Portland, Oregon, Clare Dallat received the Charles (Reb) Gregg Award for her contributions to risk management in the outdoor industry.

Jessica Wahl, Government Affairs Manager for the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), received the 2018 NOLS Stewardship Award in recognition of her commitment to environmental stewardship and involvement in the permitting process for public lands.

In an article for Alpinist, former NOLS instructor Szu-ting Yi reflects on her 2017 traverse of Wyoming’s Wind River Range. She and her husband, Dave Anderson, climbed 33 peaks in the Winds over the course of 20 days despite challenging conditions.

September 20, 2018 press release from NOLS regarding the recent Bureau of Land Management (BLM) decision to move forward with an oil and gas lease sale in Wyoming's Red Desert, a key operating area for NOLS horsepacking courses.

A climber, alpinist, skier, photographer, filmmaker, and former NOLS instructor, Jimmy Chin believes adventure in the outdoors is key to successful parenting.