Kyle Yarrow joined the Kentucky Outdoor Institute (KOI) as the new full-time faculty for the Adventure Education & Leadership (AEL) major and minor, bringing a wealth of experience and a heart for fostering transformation through outdoor learning.
Yarrow’s primary focus for Asbury’s AEL degrees will be on teaching classes within the program and fostering leaders who thrive in their communities through faith, leadership, and connection to nature.
“I’ve dreamed of teaching college students for some time,” Yarrow shared. “College is a crucial time in the lives of learners, as it pushes them to think critically and grow on many levels — academically, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Through the opportunities presented in our program, our students become phenomenal leaders, and my goal is to equip them with the knowledge and critical thinking necessary to lead their communities toward a healthy, resilient future.”
Yarrow’s career in outdoor education stems from a lifelong connection to nature and a deep appreciation for its impact on individuals and communities. He has dedicated his life to enjoying, exploring, and stewarding the outdoors. His passion for the outdoors has translated into his mission of encouraging a new generation of stewards through outdoor leadership.
“The outdoors, our environment, the land, and the communities within shape who we are as people,” Yarrow explained. “Adventure-based education encourages students to develop leadership skills like decision-making, situational awareness, compassion, systems thinking, and adaptability. Through adventure—or the act of facing the unknown—students also have an opportunity to rely on God.
Yarrow received his B.S. in Recreation and Parks Administration from Eastern Kentucky University. He holds qualifications as a Professional Environmental Educator via the Kentucky Environmental Education Council, a Level 1 Leave No Trace Trainer, a NOLS Wilderness First Responder, and is certified in Mental Health First Aid. His experience in trauma-informed experiential facilitation solidified his understanding that every learner engages with the outdoors differently and that personalized teaching moments can create life-changing impacts.
In addition to his role at KOI, Yarrow is pursuing a master’s degree in Outdoor Leadership from Prescott College. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Kentucky Association for Environmental Education (KAEE) and in his free time enjoys rock climbing, canoeing, cross-country biking, hiking, birding and spending time exploring nature.