Derek Branstrom

Derek Branstrom is an Associate Professor and Director of the Outdoor Leadership Program at Colorado Christian University (CCU), housed within the School of Business and Leadership under the College of Undergraduate Studies. He has played a pivotal role in shaping outdoor education at CCU, including lobbying for and launching the Outdoor Leadership major in 2017.

His educational background includes an M.A. in Sport Administration from the University of Northern Colorado and a B.S. in Math Education from the University of Wyoming. Prior to joining CCU, he taught math and physical education in Jefferson County Public Schools for 19 years.

Branstrom's professional expertise lies in outdoor and experiential education. He has instructed for Outward Bound, Solid Rock Outdoor Ministry, and has been teaching wilderness first aid with NOLS Wilderness Medicine since 2008. His certifications include Wilderness First Responder, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, AMGA Rock Guide Course completion, Leave No Trace Master Educator, and AIARE Avalanche Level 2 training. His teaching philosophy integrates adventure with leadership development, demonstrated by leading student expeditions to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and Mount Aconcagua in Argentina—both part of the Seven Summits.

His research and teaching interests center on outdoor leadership, wilderness safety, adventure programming, and environmental stewardship. Although no formal publications or scientific awards are listed, his work emphasizes practical, field-based learning and leadership in extreme environments.

He has no listed scientific awards or research grants.

Branstrom advises students in the Outdoor Leadership Program and has led international experiential learning trips, though specific advisees are not named. His academic work is closely tied to hands-on training and real-world application rather than traditional research output.

He is actively involved in outdoor education through leadership of the Outdoor Leadership Program at CCU and continues to integrate professional mountain guiding standards into academic curriculum.