Staff

Christopher A. Burnett, Ph.D., has spent more than 28 years helping college students discover that some of life's best classrooms don't have four walls. As Director of Outdoor Education at Colorado College, he leads programs that combine adventure, leadership, experiential learning, and just the right amount of dirt, snow, and whitewater to transform students into confident leaders.

Throughout his career at institutions including Colorado College, The University of Texas at Austin, Northern Arizona University, Texas State University, UC Davis, and Texas A&M University, Chris has built nationally recognized outdoor recreation, campus recreation, and student leadership programs. Whether launching civic engagement initiatives, rebuilding departments, teaching future leaders, or mentoring hundreds of student employees, his work centers on one simple belief: the most meaningful learning happens through experience.

Chris earned his Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership and Policy from The University of Texas at Austin, where his research focused on how campus employment, experiential learning, and student affairs prepare graduates for lifelong success. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and regularly presents his research at national conferences, exploring topics including student employability, leadership development, equity, and the transformative power of student employment.

When he's not writing, teaching, or leading strategic initiatives, you'll likely find Chris backpacking through the mountains, paddling whitewater, preparing exceptional meals for friends and family, or convincing students that carrying a heavy pack uphill or swimming a class IV rapid is somehow "character building." Fortunately, they're usually grateful by the end of the trip. Above all, Chris is passionate about helping students discover their strengths, build meaningful connections, serve their communities, and leave college with the confidence and skills to thrive wherever life takes them.

cburnett@coloradocollege.edu  
(719) 227-8131

Rachael began working for Colorado College Outdoor Education in 2015. Previously, she was the coordinator of the Outdoor Recreation Program at Colorado School of Mines, and has worked for various other outdoor organizations in both Colorado and Michigan. Rachael holds a Bachelor of Arts in Deaf Education from Michigan State University and a Master of Science in Recreation, Sport and Tourism with an emphasis in Outdoor Programming from the University of Illinois. Her greatest passions for outdoor programming are providing first time experiences for student participants, and training student trip leaders to lead their peers in areas of hiking, camping, skiing, biking, paddling, climbing, and more.

rabler@coloradocollege.edu
(719) 389-6943

Andrew began working for Colorado College in 2023. Before joining the Colorado College team, he was the Director for the Community Activities Center on Peterson SFB and previously worked for the North Carolina Outward Bound School. Andrew holds a Bachelor of Science in Outdoor Recreation and Education from Ohio University. His interests as an outdoor professional lie with connecting communities and reducing barriers to participation in recreation opportunities that facilitate personal growth, resiliency, and self-discovery.   

Kate is a Colorado College graduate and began working with the Outdoor Education Department in 2023. She is the president of the Pikes Peak Climbers Alliance and loves working with communities to protect climbing access and increase awareness and safety within the sport. Kate brings a passion for engaging with individuals and wants to create meaningful experiences for students excited about outdoor recreation, including expanding awareness and opportunities for under-resourced groups.