NOLS Employee Directory
Higher EducationWyoming, United States501-1000 Employees
NOLS is a not-for-profit higher education organization based in Lander, Wyoming, founded in 1965 by mountaineer Paul Petzoldt. It conducts remote wilderness expeditions that teach practical outdoor skills, leadership, and environmental ethics using the wilderness as its classroom. Courses range from 10 days to an academic year, attracting motivated learners seeking leadership development. The program emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning to prepare graduates to travel in wilderness settings competently and responsibly beyond the course. A notable recent development is the March 2026 appointment of Molly Barnes as interim Vice President for Wilderness Medicine, reflecting ongoing leadership updates.