Adam Elson
Senior Instructor/MOAEL Program Coordinator
MAT, Pacific University; BS, Physical Education, New Mexico State University
Adam Elson is a senior instructor in the OAL degree program and has taught at SOU since 2005. As one of the chief designers of the OAL curriculum, he has been a part of the program since its inception in 2008. Adam has professionally guided for 25 years in various fields, such as whitewater rafting, climbing, sea kayaking, backpacking and mountain biking. He lived in New Zealand for two years working at Outdoor Pursuit Centers which focus on delivering adventure education for grades 2-12, working mainly with high school students. He also led university adventure education groups on eight-week expeditions throughout New Zealand and Australia for several years. Adam is also a certified SCUBA Diving Instructor Trainer, having worked and lived in Hawaii, the Great Barrier Reef, and SE Asia. Adam is currently serving as the OAL Coordinator and teaches Outdoor Living Skills, Wilderness Navigation, Adventure Literature, Adventure Programming, Sustainability in Outdoor Programming, Advanced Techniques in Adventure Leadership, Expedition Planning, Mountain Biking, Whitewater Kayaking, Whitewater Rafting, Sea Kayaking, Backcountry Skiing/Splitboarding, Mountaineering and Avalanche Awareness & Rescue. Adam received his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from New Mexico State University and his Master of Arts in Teaching from Pacific University. His focus in his Master’s program was on experiential education.
Office: L015
Phone: 541.552.6857
E-Mail: elsona@sou.edu
Erik Sol
Senior Instructor/OAL Chair
MIIS, Southern Oregon University; BS, Southern Oregon University
Erik Sol is a senior instructor in the OAL degree program and has been at SOU for 12 years, 5 years as the Outdoor Program Coordinator and 7 years as a faculty member. Erik has professionally guided and instructed for the past 25 years in various outdoor fields, particularly as a whitewater rafting guide, taking him to Nepal, Tibet, India, New Zealand, Chile and throughout the United States. He is a Rescue 3 International Swiftwater and Technical Rope Rescue Instructor and teaches Backcountry Split-Boarding, Wilderness First Responder, Avalanche Rescue, Whitewater Rafting, Ski and Boat maintenance, Minimal Impact Adventuring, Rock Climbing, Outdoor Living skills, Practicum, Capstone projects and Expedition Planning. Erik’s passion no doubt revolves around whitewater rafting and backcountry split-boarding.
Office: L011
Phone: 541.552.8037
E-Mail: sole@sou.edu
Chad Thatcher
Professor
PhD, Prescott College, Sustainability Education, 2010; MEd, Education with Honors, Portland State University, 2002; BA, History and Spanish with Honors, Portland State University, 2000
Dr. Thatcher has spent his whole life exploring and adventuring throughout the world. His passion centers around exploration and helping others discover their inner explorer. He is an accomplished guide, educator, and administrator of outdoor, experiential, international, and adventure education for over 25 years. He has an extensive background in developing and implementing interdisciplinary curriculum that incorporates adventure, international, sustainable and academic components. He brings hands on experience with conceiving and building adventure education programs from the ground up through curriculum development, risk management, staff development, marketing, program management, administration, planning, technical knowledge and effective communication.
Office: L017
Phone: 541.552.6838
E-Mail: thatcherc@sou.edu
Stacy Vance
Instructor
Stacey Vance is a seasoned outdoor enthusiast and educator, boasting over a decade of experience in expedition leadership and wilderness education. With a BA in Outdoor Adventure Leadership and membership in the inaugural cohort of the Outdoor Adventure and Expedition Leadership master’s program, Stacey discovered her passion for teaching and has since served as an adjunct faculty member at various universities nationwide. Her expertise extends to remote medicine and rescue, gained through active involvement in a New England Search and Rescue (SAR) team. Stacey’s dedication to safety and experiential learning shines through her diverse pursuits, including guiding backpacking trips, navigating whitewater rapids, and exploring international landscapes. Through her dynamic approach to outdoor leadership, Stacey inspires students to develop essential skills while fostering a deep appreciation for the natural world.
Office: L002
Phone: 541.552.6526
E-Mail: vances@sou.edu
Contact OAL
SOU Outdoor Adventure Leadership Program
1250 Siskiyou Blvd.
Ashland, OR 97520
541.552.6526
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