Perry honored with CANR Excellence in Teaching – New Teacher Award
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EmailElizabeth ‘Bess’ Perry, of the Department of Community Sustainability, will receive the 2025 CANR Excellence in Teaching – New Teacher Award on Thursday, May 8
Elizabeth "Bess" Perry, of the Department of Community Sustainability, will receive the 2024 CANR Excellence in Teaching – New Teacher Award on Thursday, May 8.
The CANR Excellence in Teaching – New Teacher Award recognizes individuals with less than five years of teaching experience who have demonstrated a commitment to quality scholarship of teaching and learning with demonstrated success in these areas
Elizabeth "Bess" Perry, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the Department of Community Sustainability and the director of the Park Connections Lab. Specializing in protected areas and natural resources recreation management, her work focuses on how parks and outdoor recreation can contribute to sustainability while engaging diverse communities. Perry's research emphasizes collaboration with parks to address management challenges and improve visitor connections, ensuring these spaces remain accessible and relevant to all users.
Her teaching approach integrates research with real-world applications, highlighting critical issues such as climate change and collaboration in managing outdoor recreation. Perry's dynamic teaching style has earned high praise from students. She has mentored over 60 student scholars and collaborated with them on research projects and publications.
This hands-on approach prepares students for careers in sustainability and recreation management. Her additional ability to inspire students, foster curiosity, and build community makes her an effective educator who deeply supports her students' academic and professional growth.
Perry's dedication to student success and park management has earned her multiple recognitions, including the 2023 CANR Early Career Research Award and the 2025 MSU Teacher-Scholar Award.
