Larry Beck
Outdoor Recreation Resource Management
Ph.D., 1987, University of Minnesota (Graduate School of Education)

Dr. Beck's teaching interests include conservation education, environmental interpretation, wilderness management, and the symbolism of park and protected areas in American culture. Currently he teaches Outdoor Education and Environmental Interpretation, Outdoor Recreation Planning and Policy, and Wilderness and the Leisure Experience. He is the advisor for the outdoor recreation resource management emphasis.

Dr. Beck's research and writing addresses optimal experience theory, communication theory, educational theory, the importance of wilderness to individuals and society, management of protected area resources, and environmental interpretation.

Dr. Beck has authored or co-authored three books. Interpretation of Cultural and Natural Resources (2003) has been adopted as a textbook at universities throughout the United States and Canada. Interpretation for the 21st Century (2002) is used by the interpretive profession internationally and has been translated into Chinese. These two books are among the six core publications used by the National Association for Interpretation for professional certification. Dr. Beck.s most recent book is Moving Beyond Treeline: Meanings of a Wilderness Experience (2006).

Dr. Beck has published chapters in several books and articles in journals including Western Wildlands: A Natural Resource Journal, Schole: A Journal of Leisure Studies and Recreation Education, Legacy, The Interpreter, Journal of Interpretation Research, Journal of Recreation and Leisure, Ranger, Journal of Interpretation, Courier, and Journal of Park and Recreation Administration. He has also written many conference proceedings papers and research abstracts.

Dr. Beck has served on editorial boards for Schole, Legacy, and the Journal of Interpretation Research. He has served for many years as the Review Editor for The Interpreter and as a proposal reviewer for the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He served on the executive board of the Cabrillo Historical Association. Major grant work included a project titled .Recreation Inventories and Environmental Planning. for California State Parks. He has served as a consultant on interpretive planning and environmental stewardship projects.

Dr. Beck has chaired and served on numerous committees. He was elected to the University Senate and also served on the Senate Executive Committee. He chaired the University Personnel Committee, College Curriculum Committee, and College Academic Planning and Policy Committee. He has served as a member of the University General Education Committee and on the College Peer Review Committee.