The Outdoor Adventure Leadership Degree Program at SOU 

At SOU, the Outdoor Adventure Leadership (OAL) Degree program highlights a blend of academic learning and immersive outdoor experiences. This offers students an incredible opportunity to learn leadership skills amid the natural landscapes of our region. Recently, a generous donor’s contribution has revolutionized the program, specifically enhancing its mountain biking initiatives.   

A Critical Bike Upgrade: Meeting the Demands of the Terrain  

Until recently, the Outdoor Adventure Leadership (OAL) Degree program faced limitations due to an aging fleet of Marin hardtail bikes that were no longer suited for the rugged and technical terrain surrounding Ashland. Students and instructors recognized that the equipment was outdated and not ideal for the challenging rides integral to outdoor leadership training.

Thanks to a generous donor contribution, the program was able to purchase 15 new full-suspension Marin mountain bikes. This significant upgrade has dramatically improved the quality and safety of student experiences, allowing for more advanced skill development and deeper engagement with the natural environment.   

Erik Sol, a faculty member in the OAL Degree program, underscores the necessity of this upgrade, stating, “You need equipment that both reduces risk and allows you to fully engage with the terrain in a meaningful way. That’s why this donation has been such a game-changer for us—it’s not easy to leap to full-suspension mountain bikes, but that’s exactly what the trails around here demand.”  

Hands-On Learning and Skill Development  

Annika Witt, a graduate student in the OAL Degree program, played a key role in bringing the new fleet of mountain bikes to life. When the bikes arrived at SOU, they were mostly unassembled—presenting a logistical challenge and a unique hands-on learning experience. For Annika, the process of assembling the bikes offered an opportunity to deepen her technical skills while contributing directly to the success of the program and the readiness of future student trips.  

“Building those bikes helped me solidify my process—step by step, I figured out how to approach each part of the build,” Annika said. “It was a great way to apply what I’ve learned from working in bike shops in Idaho and at Piccadilly Cycles here in Ashland. That hands-on experience made the whole project even more meaningful.”  

Erik Sol chimes in, “The new bikes have given our graduate students a chance to grow their skills—not just in riding, but in bike maintenance and risk management. They’ve taken the lead in assembling the bikes, making sure they’re safe to use, and keeping them in top condition. It’s been an important part of their professional development.”  

The new bikes were put into action right away—first in SOU’s spring mountain biking class, and then on a 10-day expedition in Bend, Oregon. Both experiences emphasized skill progression and group facilitation, allowing students to apply their training in real-world environments.  

Personal Growth and Accessibility  

The upgraded bikes enhance skill progression and reduce physical fatigue, making mountain biking more accessible, comfortable, and rewarding for students of all experience levels.  

“Having a high-quality bike is huge for skill progression,” Annika said. “Full suspension takes a lot of the impact off your body, so it’s not as physically draining. It removes one more barrier—makes you feel like, ‘OK, I can keep going,’ because you’re not worn out.”  

In the OAL Degree program, technical outdoor activities serve as a foundation for deeper personal and social development. Mountain biking and other skill-based experiences are intentionally used as tools to foster emotional intelligence, resilience, and self-awareness.  

“Spending more time in the outdoors helps me feel most like myself,” said Annika. “It also makes me feel more able to handle the challenges of the world.”   

Through these immersive experiences, students grow as leaders and individuals equipped to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics and personal challenges.  

The program also creates a space where vulnerability is welcomed. Students are encouraged to express fear, reflect on mistakes, and build confidence—marking a notable departure from traditional guiding environments that often prioritize performance over growth. 

For Annika, mountain biking has also become a source of community and empowerment, particularly as a woman in the sport. She says, “It gives me a sense of autonomy and freedom of movement. There’s even a creative element to it—like choosing your line on the trail.”   

Through community, exploration, and intentional leadership development, the OAL Degree program helps students find both their footing and their voice.  

“I think it can provide a supportive community and a way to build resilience—realizing, ‘Oh yeah, I can do this hard thing. Every time I push through, I feel that much stronger.” 

The Ripple Effect: Future Opportunities and Vision  

The addition of the new fleet has opened the door for the OAL Degree program to expand beyond its current offerings, creating the potential for new experiences such as fall camps or weekend excursions in Ashland’s watershed. These opportunities allow more students to access the benefits of outdoor leadership training in diverse and enriching settings.   

Erik emphasizes the importance of donor support in making this growth possible. This ongoing support ensures that students can continue to explore, lead, and learn in ways that shape their futures.  

“Students are where it’s at. The program aims to create as many opportunities as possible and help make connections.” 

Investing in Transformative Experiences  

The donor-funded bike fleet stands as a clear example of how external support directly enhances student learning, personal growth, and career readiness in the OAL Degree program. By providing state-of-the-art, industry-relevant equipment, the program can “walk the walk” in preparing students for real-world leadership roles in the outdoor field.   

These investments elevate the educational experience and ensure that graduates are equipped with the tools and confidence needed to thrive professionally. Continued donor engagement is vital to sustaining and expanding these opportunities—fueling the next generation of outdoor leaders through meaningful, hands-on learning.   

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