Staff
Christopher Burnett, Ph.D. (he/him)
Director of Outdoor Education
cburnett@coloradocollege.edu
(719) 389-8131
Born and raised in Austin Texas, Dr. Chris Burnett is a 26-year veteran of collegiate outdoor recreation and student affairs. However, Chris’ work extends beyond collegiate recreation in collaborating with academic units and community agencies transforming higher education through engaging experiential cocurricular rigor that facilitates student success beyond graduation. Completing his Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership and Policy at the University of Texas at Austin, Dr. Burnett brings to Colorado College a passion for dismantling the socio-cultural legacy of racism in higher education and how reimagining the academic experience can best support upward mobility for historically underrepresented populations. Dr. Burnett’s research and publication agenda focusses on understanding how the higher education experience can support or marginalize student success beyond graduation. Dr. Burnett enjoys cooking exceptional meals for friends and finds his spiritual center paddling wild rivers with his family.
Rachael Abler (she/her)
Associate Director of Outdoor Education
rabler@coloradocollege.edu
(719) 389-6943
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.
Andrew Harrow (he/him)
Assistant Director of Outdoor Education
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 Nelson (she/her)
Outdoor Education & Ritt Kellogg Memorial Fund Coordinator
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.
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