From Aviation to Adventure: SUU Student Discovers Her Path in Outdoor Recreation
Published: November 18, 2025 | Author: Gabrielle Costello | Read Time: 2 minutes
Cedar City, UTAH-
Southern Utah University (SUU) student Grace Schmidt is embracing the landscapes of the American West as she pursues her degree in Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism with an emphasis in Natural Resource Recreation.
Schmidt made her way to SUU from Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where she initially enrolled to take advantage of the Aviation Program. However, once she arrived and began exploring the region's abundant outdoor and recreation opportunities, she realized her true passion lay elsewhere.
"I really enjoy outdoor activities and there's so much public land and things to do outside around SUU," said Schmidt. "That made me really excited to be an Outdoor Recreation student."
The SUU program has impressed her with its strong field focus and experiential learning opportunities. Schmidt has already participated in practicums and internships that have given her hands-on experience in her chosen area of study. Through the University's IIC Internship Program, she is currently interning at Pipe Spring National Monument in Arizona, where she is learning about the many roles available within land management and recreation agencies.
"SUU does a great job of preparing me to work out in the field by giving me lots of hands-on experience," said Schmidt. "I've done practicums, I'm doing internships, All in my field of study, which is great."
She mentions one early field experience particularly shaped her direction via one of her classes where she completed a three‐day practicum with Nevada State Parks. She was able to work on trail maintenance, landscaping, and other outdoor operations tasks. That practicum helped confirm where her heart and passion truly lies.
Schmidt credits her professors and mentors at SUU for their inspiration and support as she works toward her goal of a career in land management. She says the Outdoor Recreation, Parks, and Tourism degree equips students for roles in both public land agencies and private companies, offering flexibility and real-world relevance.
Looking ahead, she hopes to apply her skills to protect and manage the lands she loves and to help others experience them. "I'm passionate about outdoor recreation because I want to be able to share my love with it, with everyone else and future generations," said Schmidt. "I want everyone to get to enjoy these lands that I care about so much."
Due to the unique location, academics, recreational opportunities and outdoor career prep, SUU is the only designated University of the Parks in the U.S. Whether you take advantage of the outdoors recreationally or decide to embark on a career, SUU strives to support students in getting the most out of their time at SUU.
Contact Information:
Brooke Heath
435-586-5400
brookeheath1@suu.edu