For Immediate Release
July 15, 2017

SUU Library Welcomes Arrival of National Archive for Experiential Learning

CEDAR CITY, Utah —The archive of the National Society for Experiential Education (NSEE)
arrived at Southern Utah University on July 11 for permanent collection in the Gerald R. Sherratt
Library. The donation distinguishes SUU as a key player in the experience-based education
movement and represents the first institutional home for the archive.

Founded in 1971, NSEE is a membership organization of educators and business leaders
promoting experiential education and best practices for engaged education. Its archive contains
historical documents and records capturing the emergence and history of the organization.
Previously, the collection was housed at a non-publicly accessible location in Alexandria,
Virginia, and at disparate locations throughout the United States.

“It is a real honor for SUU to be able to house the archive of a national organization as
successful as this,” said Patrick Clarke, SUU dean of the School of Integrative and Engaged
Learning. “The contribution recognizes SUU as a real leader in experiential learning.”
According to NSSE President Stephanie Thomason, Ph.D., the archive is well-matched to SUU
for the university’s commitment to experiential learning and the Experiential Learning
Leadership Institute (ELLI) serving college educators.

"We are thrilled for the opportunity to collaborate with SUU’s ELLI,” said Thomason. “Both
organizations share the goals of enhancing experiential education by supporting professional
development, engaging in and sharing research, and advocating for the infusion of effective
experiential learning."

The addition of the NSEE archive joins with several SUU initiatives for promoting experiential
learning and educational leadership. The SUU EDGE program engages all undergraduate
students in experience-based learning projects. For experience-based educators, SUU publishes a
national journal titled, “Experiential Learning & Teaching in Higher Education,” and hosts an
annual ELLI conference.

According to SUU Dean of Library Services Richard Saunders, “Partnering with an established
organization such as NSSE to produce an academic journal provides a natural outlet for speaking
to professionals about higher education topics such as this.”

In 2015, SUU received the NSEE Outstanding Experiential Education Program Award, which
recognizes an outstanding K-12 or higher education institution that has demonstrated an
exceptional commitment to experiential education.

About Southern Utah University
Established in 1897, Southern Utah University evolved from a teacher training institution to
Utah's designated masters university, offering over 140 undergraduate and 19 graduate programs.
With world class project based learning, unique undergraduate research opportunities, and a
personalized learning environment (18:1) students lead projects mentored by professors. True to
the University's core vision, SUU faculty, staff and administrators enable students to honor
thought in all its finest forms, achieve excellence in their chosen field, and create positive change
in the world.

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Contacts
SUU Marketing Communication
Nikki Koontz, assistant director of marketing
[email protected]
435-586- 5487