Asbury Welcomes New Kentucky Outdoor Institute Director
August 16, 2024
Asbury University welcomes Kiki Yee ’18 as the new director of the Kentucky Outdoor Institute (KOI), an educational enterprise focused on growing individuals and teams in and through outdoor and adventure experiences.
As director, Yee will oversee Archways (a multi-day adventure experience for incoming students new to the Asbury community) and the Faith-based, Integrative, Experiential, Leadership Development (F.I.E.L.D.) Semester. Yee also will teach adventure skills and leadership lab classes in the Shaw School of Sciences this semester.
“Archways was my first backpacking trip and served as a catalyst for my choosing to pursue a career in Adventure Education and Leadership (AEL),” Yee said. “I am excited to lead this effort for our program rooted in perseverance, servant leadership, and exploration.”
As an undergraduate student at Asbury, Yee served as a challenge course facilitator, canoeing and backpacking trip instructor, and climbing gym manager. After graduating, she worked at Colvig Summer Camps, Seeds Wilderness Therapy, and Open Sky Wilderness Therapy in Colorado. Last year, Yee returned to Asbury to serve as Assistant Director of KOI under the previous director, Trent Ellsworth ’03.
“On my first college tour, Trent showed me around campus and helped me realize that nature, community, and God are where we truly belong.” Yee said. “Under his mentorship, I grew in my problem-solving skills, communication, and leadership, and I am honored that he trusted me to assume the role of director of AEL and of KOI.”
Offering programming for the public and the Asbury community, KOI tailors group and individual outdoor and adventure programs in a variety of settings in Central Kentucky and beyond, including challenge course programming, canoeing, rock climbing indoors or out, caving, day hiking, rappelling, hammock camping, overnight paddling trips, and backpacking.
Operating an academic major and minor in AEL for students at Asbury and an instructional outfitter for the public, KOI’s primary goal is to educate. Whether guests want to learn to be better rock climbers or lead their organizations to success, KOI’s fully customizable programs fit every need and skill level. KOI is certified and insured for backcountry and adventure programming.
The adventure education technique uses an experiential approach — indoors or outdoors — that puts individuals and groups into situations with uncertain outcomes that allow them to interact with problems, engage creative solutions, use trial and error, and learn by doing. With areas of concentration in Outdoor Recreation, Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare, Environmental Studies, and Outdoor Ministry and Discipleship, AEL students can take their learning to the next level.
However, many students who do not plan to pursue careers in the outdoors field still choose this program due to its strong reputation for leadership development. The skills gained through this program are widely applicable and beneficial in any career path. Students learn to work effectively in teams, communicate clearly, and make critical decisions under pressure—qualities that are highly valued in today’s job market.
Additionally, the program’s emphasis on experiential learning allows participants to develop problem-solving abilities and adaptability, making them well-rounded candidates for a variety of professional roles. As a result, the program attracts a diverse group of students who recognize that the leadership skills they acquire will serve them well, regardless of their future career ambitions.
The Shaw School of Sciences offers 14 majors and six minors, including Adventure Education and Leadership (AEL), Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.