College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Community Sustainability

Education

• PhD: 1986, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas: Recreation Resources Development (Emphasis Areas in Social Psychology and Interpretation/ Environmental Education/Communications)
• MEd: 1982, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas: Physical Education (Outdoor and Environmental Education emphasis)
• BS: 1975, University of Texas, Austin, Texas: Physical Education (Minors in Earth Science and Health)

Major Areas of Scholarship (often integrating two or more of the following)

• Interpretation of natural, cultural and historic resourcesUse of interpretation and communications as a resource management tool
• Maritime heritage and coastal resources management
• Cultural and heritage tourism (including role of interpretation)
• Community-based tourism development (US and international)
• Sustainable community development (including tourism, ecotourism)
• Museum studies

Academic Experience

• 1998 – 2023: Associate Professor, Departments of PRTR (1998 – 2003) and Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies (CARRS, 2003 – present), Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
• 1992 – 1998: Assistant Professor, Department of Park, Recreation & Tourism Resources (PRTR), Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
• 1988 - 1992: Assistant Professor, Department of Landscape Architecture & Regional Planning, Leisure Studies & Resources Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
• 1986 - 1988: Assistant Professor, Department of Recreation & Leisure Studies (RLS), Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
• 1986: Instructor, Department of Recreation & Parks (R&P), Texas A&M University, College Station, TX

Certifications

• Certified Interpretive Trainer (National Association for Interpretation)
• Certified Interpretive Guide (National Association for Interpretation)
• Certified Interpretive Host (National Association for Interpretation)
• Certified Heritage Interpreter (National Association for Interpretation)
• Tutor – international (Nautical Archaeology Society)
• Levels I and II, underwater archaeology (Nautical Archaeology Society)

Advisory & Steering Committees at MSU

• Great Lakes Culture Program
• Museum Studies Program
• Zoo and Aquarium Science Program

Courses Vander Stoep Teaches:

• PRR 351 - Communications for Recreation and Resources Management
• PRR 451 - Park Interpretive Services and Visitor Information Systems
• PRR 895 - Coastal and Maritime Heritage and Management

Study Abroad Programs

• Australia: Mass Media, Environment and Cultural Issues (2006)
• Anguilla, British West Indies: Integrated Marine Resource Management & Coastal Tourism (1998, 2000)
• India: Ecology of the Mountains in India (Himalayas) (pending, 2007 and 2008)

Other International Involvement

• Malaysia (2005)
• South Korea (2005)
• Nepal (2005)Micronesia (2004 – present)
• Canada, especially related to maritime resources (1994 – present)
• Taiwan (pending)
• Conferences: Australia, United Kingdom, Spain, Canada