Katherine Wombwell, a Montreat College senior from Tonganoxie, Kansas, recently achieved the North Carolina Environmental Education Certification, marking a significant milestone in her journey toward a career in outdoor education.
The self-paced certification, which can be completed over four years, enhances professional excellence in environmental education. The six key components of the program include instructional workshops, outdoor education experiences, knowledge of environmental resources, teaching practice, a community partnership project, and continuing education. Completing the certification equips educators with valuable hands-on experience and essential skills to promote preserving and protecting the state’s natural resources.
At the center of her certification was a semester-long effort to create and lead a new outdoor education track for Montreat College’s summer COMPASS program. A week-long summer immersion program for high school students and rising college freshmen, COMPASS provides students with insights into a potential career path while gaining a glimpse into college life as part of a community.
Designed to kindle curiosity and enthusiasm in the outdoor industry, Wombwell’s Outdoor Recreation Studies COMPASS program focused on learning how a student’s connection to nature can be turned into a career. Students explored natural areas, experienced adventure recreation, and learned the intricacies of protecting natural resources.
“Planning and launching the COMPASS program was the most meaningful part of my certification,” Wombwell said. “I saw a need for Montreat to have something that connected students more intentionally with the outdoors, and creating that space was really special.”
Wombwell first learned about the certification during her freshman year from her professor and mentor, Dr. Dottie Shuman.
“I’m the type of person that if I hear about something I think I can do, I go out and do it,” she said. “Instantly, my mind was turning about how I could get this done, especially not living in the area. Once Dottie told me it was an option and would help me in the long run. I believed her and jumped right in. The love that she pours into her students and into the college is incredible.”
One of the most beneficial (and fun) ways she met her requirements was through a 15-day summer excursion. Along with Dr. Shuman and three of her classmates, Wombwell visited 17 state parks in 15 days, a trip that stretched from the mountains of western North Carolina to the Outer Banks.
Wombwell’s passion for the outdoors was nurtured through family travels, leading her to Montreat College. During a family road trip in high school, her father suggested a visit to campus, which solidified her decision to enroll.
“I remember I looked at Lake Susan and knew I wanted to go here,” she recalled about her first impression of campus. “The next day we scheduled a meeting with Dottie, and she made it all fall into place. She told me I was going to fit in perfectly because I was wearing Chacos.”
One of Wombwell’s most transformative experiences at Montreat College came after her freshman year when she participated in the Discovery program, a three-week backpacking expedition in North Carolina’s diverse landscapes that’s open to students of all majors.
“Being from Kansas, it was a great opportunity to immerse myself in the beauty of the area because it’s so unique and gorgeous,” she remembered. “I understood a lot more as I went throughout my time at Montreat because I had that base understanding from Discovery. There’s a beautiful aspect of appreciating nature, but I also learned a lot about myself, especially how you communicate with others. It was life-changing for me.”
This May, Wombwell will graduate from Montreat College with a degree in outdoor recreation studies with a concentration in environmental education. She also is minoring in environmental science, experience design, and honors. Throughout her four years at Montreat, she was a member of Montreat’s women’s soccer team, earning Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athlete status and all-conference academic honors for three consecutive years. Overall, Wombwell credits much of her success to Montreat’s supportive, Christ-centered environment, particularly the mentorship of professors like Dr. Shuman.
“One of the best parts about Montreat is the faculty,” she expressed. “They get to know you so well and so deeply. The Christian aspect of Montreat College makes it incredibly unique because not only do your professors love you from an academic standpoint but also from a Christian standpoint. They want to pour prayer into you and really support you as you grow into a fully grown adult, which is really special.”
As graduation nears, Wombwell hopes to use her passion for teaching and leading kids to build a career with the National Park Service, whether it’s at a park, museum, or historic site. While she’s still exploring all the ways her certification might open doors for her, she sees it as a valuable step toward her goals, especially in a field where credentials can set candidates apart.
“I’m excited for the opportunities that will come,” she said. “I’m just collecting those experiences and trying to be one step ahead. People shouldn’t miss out on opportunities to engage in nature.”