Dr. Jon Kedrowski: Explorer & Teacher
There is so much to explore on this planet of ours, and Dr. Jon Kedrowski has been doing his best to see as much of it as he possibly can! Not only has he summited Mt. Everest and Mt. Kilimanjaro, he’s also summited five of the seven continental summits. He has climbed and skied down all 58 of Colorado’s 14,000’ peaks, and was the first person to sleep on all 58 summits. He’s written two books about his adventures, “Sleeping on the Summits: Colorado 14er High Bivys” and “Skiing and Sleeping on the Summits: Cascade Volcanoes.” And, he’s not done! Still on his bucket list: Antarctica and Japan, as well as return trips to Nepal, Tibet, Bali, New Zealand and Australia.
When he’s not out exploring, he’s teaching students to appreciate the science of what they see around them and how the environment changes with weather, time and force. Jon teaches environmental science and physical geography at Colorado Mountain College during the fall semesters. Prior to coming to Colorado Mountain College in 2013, he spent two years at Central Washington University as an Assistant Professor of Geography. He completed his Doctoral Teaching Assistantship at Texas State University and his Master’s Teaching Assistantship at the University of South Florida, Department of Geography.
“I love working with students and showing them the world through the coursework,” Jon says. “I especially like teaching physical geography, weather and climate because the world is so cool! There is so much to see, and the earth’s weather and climate is fascinating!”
As you might imagine from someone accustomed to teetering on the edge of mountains, Jon’s advice for students involves balance.
“Get outside and see the world,” he says. “Travel to as many places as you can. But, also study hard and put in your time in the classroom. Good reading and writing skills will take you places!”
Jon also spends significant time giving back. He is on the board of the Sherpa Foundation in the Vail Valley. Since the earthquake in Nepal, the Foundation has raised more than $200,000 for earthquake relief in the Khumbu and Cheplung village areas near Mount Everest. He is also an ambassador with the Education Foundation of Eagle County, and speaks in local schools to teach children about goal setting and making good choices.
Dr. Kedrowski is currently working to create a study abroad course in mountain geography, which would take students to Nepal.
Be on the lookout next year for his newest book, “Classic Colorado Ski Descents,” a backcountry ski guide book published by the Colorado Mountain Club Press/Mountaineers Books.