UAS Outdoor Studies: Learning, Leadership and Life Outside

UAS Outdoor Studies: Learning, Leadership and Life Outside

From Capital Chat by Alaska First Media

May 29, 2026 · 10 min · Episode 607

About this episode

The episode discusses the integration of outdoor skills and academic learning at the University of Alaska Southeast.

On this episode of Capital Chat, Cliff talks with UAS Outdoor Studies Director and philosophy professor Kevin Krein, English professor Kevin Maier, and recent graduate Sage Chavez about how the University of Alaska Southeast is blending outdoor skills with big academic questions. They discuss UAS courses that take students from the classroom into the field, including Mountain Studies, Salmon, Sport and Society, rock climbing, backpacking, sea kayaking, fly fishing, avalanche education and outdoor leadership. Sage shares how the Mountain Studies course helped her learn to ski for the first time and how outdoor experiences may shape her future work in therapy. The conversation also explores why slowing down, thinking clearly and using your head may be one of the most important survival tools in the outdoors. A look at outdoor education, personal growth and the unique learning opportunities available in Juneau through UAS.

People in this episode

Host: Cliff

Guests: Kevin Krein, Kevin Maier, Sage Chavez

Topics covered

  • outdoor education
  • personal growth
  • academic courses
  • survival skills
  • University of Alaska Southeast

Keywords

  • outdoor studies
  • Mountain Studies
  • academic questions
  • therapy
  • Juneau
  • rock climbing
  • backpacking

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of Alaska Southeast

More episodes of Capital Chat

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Capital Chat podcast page.