Ryan Butler

Ryan Butler serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance at Montana State University Billings, where he has cultivated a transformative service-learning ethos since joining the institution in 2022. His work bridges academic instruction with tangible community impact through the Outdoor Adventure Leadership program.

His professional focus centers on experiential education methodologies, with research interests spanning:

• Service Learning pedagogy
• Outdoor Adventure Leadership frameworks
• Adaptive Sports integration
• Community-Civic Engagement models
• Applied Health Education practices

Butler's initiatives have generated significant local partnerships, including Refresh the Rims for bicycle accessibility, adaptive climbing programs at Steep World, equipment development at Eagle Mount, and Base Camp's Care & Repair Workshop—creating structured internship pathways for students while addressing community needs.

His contributions were formally recognized with:

• Faculty Excellence 2024 Outstanding Service Learning Award

Through the Outdoor Adventure Leadership program, Butler mentors cohorts of students in field-based service projects, establishing enduring connections with regional organizations that provide real-world professional development opportunities beyond traditional classroom settings.