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Staff Spotlight: Evan Shouldis at the WVU Outdoor Education Center

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Since 2007, the WVU Outdoor Education Center (OEC) has played a crucial role in Adventure WV, serving the educational and developmental mission of West Virginia University. One of the standout team members at the OEC is Evan Shouldis, a senior from Ripley, WV. Evan has been with Adventure WV since his sophomore year, contributing to various roles that showcase his versatility and passion for outdoor education.

Evan’s journey with Adventure WV began at the Outdoor Recreation Center, where he quickly took on responsibilities that kept him engaged and challenged. From maintaining the courses at the OEC to leading canopy tours and training new staff, Evan has embraced every opportunity that comes his way. As a current student manager, he plays a vital role in ensuring that the OEC continues to provide exceptional experiences for its visitors.

Evan Shouldis on OEC course

Some of Evan’s favorite things about working at the OEC include getting to work at height, and having the chance to meet many different people while providing them with memorable outdoor experiences. “It’s always enjoyable to see people come up and have a really good time doing something we’re providing for them,” he shares. One of the most rewarding aspects of his job has been training incoming staff members. “Seeing the light go off in their eyes that they can really do this is a really big part,” he explains.

Evan encourages fellow students to get involved with Adventure WV, noting, “I try to encourage people going into college here to try to work for Adventure [WV] in some way, just because you get to meet a lot of good people. It’s one of the best on-campus jobs I think you could possibly have.” His experiences have significantly impacted his career aspirations. While he is currently majoring in Health and Well-being and initially planned to pursue a career in occupational therapy, Evan is now exploring new avenues. “It's really changed what I wanted to do. I discovered that I like being at height, that I enjoy working outdoors mainly–I always have worked outdoors, but that’s like something that I’ve wanted to do–and changing from me looking towards a career that I would be in an office, and to get out there instead,” he reveals. “Just finding something else I love, and, you know, I’ve really enjoyed getting to work at height a lot, and so that’s kind of pushed me towards, like, maybe going to lineman school or just going on and building courses or something like that,” he adds.

Looking ahead, Evan is excited about the upcoming Halloween programs at the OEC. These events will include a haunted hayride organized by the Forestry department, a spooky haunted trail, and night programs with the Alpine Tower, Giant Swing and Canopy Tours, all infused with Halloween flair. If you’d like to be a part of and experience the OEC’s Halloween programs, you can visit our WVUGo website to learn more about programs and to sign up. Adventure WV will also be providing Fright Farm Shuttles and a night of Appalachian Storytelling including spooky stories, the history of Appalachian Storytelling, as well as a few ghostly tales.

With a bright future ahead, Evan Shouldis embodies the spirit of Adventure WV and the OEC. His passion for the outdoors, commitment to his team, and eagerness to share memorable experiences make him a vital part of the WVU community. Whether you’re a student looking for an incredible job opportunity or someone seeking adventure, the OEC is the place to be!

To learn more about Adventure WV programs and employment opportunities, visit our website!