Katie Burns

Biography

I earned my M.Ed. in College Student Affairs and my B.A. in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in History from Azusa Pacific University.  

I have spent my entire professional career working within Higher Education at a number of different institutions. I have had the privilege of working within residence life, student activities, outdoor recreation and campus recreation. Some of the most influential work years of my life were in an outdoor-based living learning community.  

I spent 13 years as a professional guide in the summer facilitating trips for people as young as 3 years old and as old as 75. Working predominantly within the Sierra Nevada mountains including Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings National Parks, I led a variety of trips ranging from half and full day rock climbing adventures to short day-hikes and full 23-day backpacking experiences down the John Muir Trail. 

Currently, I am a member of NIRSA and NASPA. I serve on the Task Force for student development within NIRSA. 

Courses that I teach:  
RAM 3900: Diverse Populations  
RAM 3200: Evaluation of Recreation Services 

I am the Associate Director of Campus Recreation at Utah State University. My partner and I moved here from California, and despite the amazing mountains here in Utah I am still hopelessly enchanted by the Sierra Nevada Mountains. I am extremely passionate about the student experience and believe that college is one of the most transformative periods of person’s life. I am continually grateful for the opportunity to wake up and work with college students, in and out of the classroom, every day. When I am not teaching or working in the Aggie Recreation Center, I can most often be found in a pair of running shoes ideally on a trail somewhere.