Leading Experiential Learning on Campus

"I was expecting to read a thoughtful but “normal” book on experiential learning, but this book is so much more. As the authors correctly note, experiential learning must be understood as an ecosystem of people, practices, theories, and policies, relationships, stories, and data. When understood in this way, we must change our perspective on experiential education, the learning associated with it, and the nature and structure of our institutions. And beyond these insights, the book is also a design resource. The authors are systems thinkers and provide creative and engaging ways to redesign our own work and institutions. This volume is likely to change how we think about experiential learning and will absolutely help us design better institutions for all engaged in this work."

Jeff Grabill, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences, University at Buffalo

"Working in experiential learning every day, I saw so much in this book that felt immediately useful and familiar. It offers practical tools, real examples, and a clear framework for building programs that last. I especially appreciated the focus on ecosystem thinking and shared infrastructure, which connects deeply with our efforts at the community college level. As a faculty member and co-director of an experiential learning institute, I found it grounded, relevant, and full of ideas that support the future of higher education."

Kristy, McDonald,Co-Director, Experiential Learning Institute, and Business Academic Area Faculty, Northwestern Michigan Community College

"This book is exactly what everyone engaged in experiential education needs! It's comprehensive, it speaks to the dynamic between the various stakeholders and lenses, and offers practical approaches to navigating the complexity of ecosystem development. It's easy to read and hard to put down. I cannot wait to get my copy and send copies of this text to all my ExL leaders on campus!"

Marianna Savoca,Associate Vice President for Career Readiness and Experiential Education, Stony Brook University

“I look forward to bringing this methodology and these worksheets to life as I continue to work towards recruiting Innovation Ambassadors across campus and beyond. Knowing that I have these worksheets to help guide the work, especially when trying to align definitions is critical in a topic as broad and muddled as “innovation.” It makes me excited to get everyone in the room together!"

Leigh Evans, JD, Director, Research to Impact, James Madison University

"This book is the first I’ve read that truly captures both the promise and the lived complexity of leading experiential learning on a college campus. It offers concrete, usable strategies while grounding them in a rich set of well-researched theories, models, and organizational frameworks that make the work both more legible and possible. It honors the persistence, creativity, and relational labor this role requires, providing the gift of validation along with a roadmap for anyone committed to designing learning that matters."

Emily Carpenter, Associate Vice President for Experiential Impact, Nazareth University