Unity College Names Jessica Steele Director of The Outdoor Adventure Center

Unity, Maine – July, 2010 –  Unity College has announced the hiring of Ithaca, New York, native Jessica Steele to serve as Director of The Outdoor Adventure Center. 

     In her role, Steele will build upon a highly successful outdoor orientation program that serves all incoming first year and transfer students.  She will also oversee the Outdoor Adventure Center (OAC), manage the Willard Climbing Wall, and continue to develop the challenge course on campus in service to several academic programs.

    Steele holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Ecopsychology / Outdoor Education from Prescott College in Prescott, Arizona.  She is currently working on her Master of Education in Adventure Learning degree from Plymouth State University in Plymouth, New Hampshire.

Jessica Steele

     Steele is immersed in the Summer 2010 NOVA Orientation Program. Unity College students are required to complete an outdoor adventure trip before they graduate.  Nova trips are designed to support the transition to college life at Unity by emphasizing personal growth, building social connections, and promoting environmental stewardship.  Most students complete their adventure trip prior to beginning their first semester.

     “One of the reasons why I was attracted to Unity is because I enjoy its small community, and I appreciate its environmental focus,” said Steele.  “Students learn in unique ways and there is a real focus on experiential, hands-on learning.”

      Steele is developing strategies for strengthening the NOVA program, supporting student government sponsored outdoor adventure programming, and developing the climbing wall and challenge course for service beyond the Unity College community.

     “Jessica has certainly hit the ground running in her new position,” said Gary Zane, Dean for Student Affairs.  “Our NOVA Orientation Program already is reflecting some of her ideas and ingenuity.  She brings a breadth of creativity and energy to this position that is inspiring to students and staff alike.”

     Zane feels this is the time for expansion.

     “Our adventure programming will continue to grow with Jessica at the helm,” added Zane.  “Our Student Affairs staff admires her team attitude and perseverance to get things done.”
     Unity College is a small private college in rural Maine that provides dedicated, engaged students with a liberal arts education which emphasizes the environment and natural resources. Unity College graduates are prepared to be environmental stewards, effective leaders, and responsible citizens through active learning experiences within a supportive community.