National Outdoor Leadership School
Higher EducationWyoming, United States501-1000 Employees
National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) is a nonprofit higher education organization that delivers wilderness education and leadership training. Based in Lander, Wyoming, it operates worldwide, offering courses in local settings as well as remote expeditions in wilderness areas. The program emphasizes developing leadership potential through experiential learning in environments that prioritize safety and environmental stewardship. Its community of staff, students, trustees, and alumni shares commitments to wilderness, education, leadership, safety, community, and excellence. Founded in 1965, NOLS maintains a global footprint within the higher education landscape as a sizable nonprofit. In 2026, the organization appointed Molly Barnes as interim Vice President for Wilderness Medicine, signaling ongoing governance and leadership development.