New Faculty Story: Dr. Matthew Browning

Dr. Matthew Browning is a new addition to the Department of Recreation, Sport, and Tourism. He was a former Park Ranger for state, private, and national parks in Utah, Iowa, and North Carolina. His experiences there led him to obtain a Master’s Degree at the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. He then went on to complete his Ph.D. at Virginia Tech focusing on Forest Resources and Environment Conservation.
Dr. Browning’s research focuses on how different natural environments affect people’s quality of life and health. He most recently investigated ways to accomplish social and environmental goals of nature centers, particularly related to the values these places hold to different stakeholders. A nature center refers to a permanent building located in nature that facilitates educating people on the natural environment. Dr. Browning also examines how these buildings integrate people of different backgrounds and other economic benefits that come from these buildings.
The Department of Recreation, Sport, and Tourism drew the attention of Dr. Browning, as health and happiness is a key focus. In his free time, Dr. Browning enjoys doing yard work, traveling, and hosting events with his wife. He also plays classical piano and used to be a church organist.