Aug. 14, 2019

The longtime leader of The Outdoor Campus is moving on.

Thea Miller Ryan is leaving after 25 years to become the new director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, which is based at the Community College for Sioux Falls.

Ryan was the original director of The Outdoor Campus, which is part of South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks. She began her job in 1994 and helped create the center, which opened in 1997 at Sertoma Park.

Under her leadership, it became a destination for outdoor education with activities such as fishing, hunting, archery, cross-country skiing, hiking, orienteering and much more.

She also has served as chair of the Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau board as well as chair of its BID board.

“I have had the privilege of working with the most amazing staff and volunteers for the last 25 years,” Ryan said. “Art, history, technology and literature are some of my personal passions, and I can’t wait to use those in my work with OLLI.”

Ryan will remain at The Outdoor Campus this month and start her new role in September.