Ryan Szuch


Title: Outdoor Education Coordinator

How I Support Student Health and Wellness: With the Cross-Country Ski and Snowshoe Center and Challenge Course, we aim to provide shared experiences for all students with the opportunity to face adversity and challenge themselves in a new environment. Additionally, we offer programming to develop technical skills, create connections and build confidence in our students by engaging them in activities that promote both their physical and mental well-being, having a ton of fun along the way.

Professional Interests: I was lucky enough to partake in a lot of adventure-based activity growing up, and now, as an outdoor professional, I have the awesome opportunity to see the joy and character development that happens as a direct result of engaging in the outdoors. One of my primary challenges and opportunities at Syracuse University is to grow the presence of Outdoor Recreation, making it as accessible and diverse as possible while continuing to facilitate the high-level programming students have come to expect from the department. Beyond the outdoors, I also have a committed interest in the development and growth of esports as a mainstream avenue of competition on a high school varsity, collegiate and professional level.

Educational Background: I earned a bachelor’s degree in expeditionary studies and adventure sport with a concentration in climbing from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Plattsburgh. I currently hold several different professional certifications like Wilderness First Responder, Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) Challenge Course II, American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) Single Pitch Climbing Instructor and Lead Certification, American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) Avalanche Level 1 and Cardiopulminary Resuscitation (CPR) Instructor/Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and First Aid. I will also pursue a master of business administration (MBA) with Syracuse University.

Pronouns: He/Him/His