Credentials

• Ph.D., Recreation & Park Management, University of Illinois, 2016

• M.S., Recreation & Park Management, University of Illinois, 2010

• B.A., Print Journalism, Western Illinois University, 2004

Advisor

• Resource Management

Courses Taught

• RPLS 272 Introduction to RPLS

• RPLS 282 Wildlife as a Recreation Resource

• RPLS 475 Public Land Use Policy

• RPLS 478 Review of Outdoor Recreation Research

• RPLS 479 Wildland Recreation Management

• RPLS 481 Park Planning

Teaching Experience

Prior to his arrival at Minnesota State, Dr. Hicks gained teaching experience in a variety of environmental education and summer camp settings. His involvement in outdoor recreation eventually led him to study and teach at the University of Illinois where he served as a lecturer and internship coordinator. He focuses on incorporating experiential education into the classroom and utilizing applied research to bolster student knowledge and enhance environmental awareness. He has earned numerous commendations for his community-driven approach to teaching and he considers his work as student mentor as among his most significant contributions.

Selected Publications

• Hicks, J. R., & Stewart, W. P. (2020). Learning from wildlife-inspired awe. The Journal of Environmental Education, 51(1), 44-54.
• Hicks, J. R., & Kramer, M. (2020). Therapy Dog Ownership as Serious Leisure for Members of a Therapy Dog Volunteer Group. People and Animals: The International Journal of Research and Practice, 3(1), 5.
• Hicks, J. (2018). Exploring the relationship between awe and leisure: A conceptual argument. Journal of Leisure Research, 49(3-5), 258-276.
• Hicks, J. R., & Stewart, W. P. (2018). Exploring potential components of wildlife-inspired awe. Human Dimensions of Wildlife, 23(3), 293-295.

• Hicks, J.R. (2016). Mixed emotions: A qualitative exploration of northern Illinois whitetail deer-related decision making. Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism.

• Hicks, J.R. (2016). Children as an emotional amplifier in northern Illinois white-tailed deer interactions. Journal of Environmental Education.

Area of Research Interest

• Human Dimensions of Wildlife

• Wildlife-Inspired Awe

• Natural Resource Recreation Planning and Management

Scholar Profile for Dr. Jonathan Hicks