A results-oriented academic leader with extensive experience teaching and leading institutes of higher education. Demonstrated success in conceptualizing, coordinating, and executing projects and programs with a high level of detail and a complex set of stakeholder interests. With a passion for education advocacy, John is committed to the ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

With his expertise as an expert communicator and presenter, John has a proven ability to foster positive cross-functional relationships that unite people around common goals and build a culture of collaboration and community. Some of his selected achievements include designing a fully integrated liberal arts general education program (Jumpstart GE) for freshmen, resulting in retention rates 15-20% higher than students not in the program. He also served as the Assistant Dean of the School for Integrative & Engaged Learning from 2017 to 2019 and as the Provost Faculty Fellow for Academic Affairs from 2013 to 2017. He excels in developing robust relationships with key internal and external stakeholders that led to the creation of a professional development program for K-12 science teachers throughout the state of Utah.

John has served as a Board Member and finally, Chairman of the Board, of the Zion Natl Park Forever Project (Zion National Park's official non-profit partner) to fundraise over $15 million to build two new visitor centers. He was also appointed as Team Leader for the Utah State Board of Education during the rewrite of Utah’s K-12 science standards.

As an associate professor, assistant professor, and lecturer at Southern Utah University since 2002, John has delivered graduate and undergraduate courses in biological sciences, utilizing research and evidence-based methods of teaching. He has also planned, evaluated, and revised curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction. John has collaborated with colleagues to address teaching and research issues, conducted research, and published findings in professional journals.

John currently has a unique joint-appointment with both The Zion Natl' Park Forever Project (ZFP) and SUU, where he aligns the skills and resources of both entities to create hands-on educational experiences for college students while also meeting the needs of the national parks and monuments serviced by ZFP. He also directs and assists with the educational programs offered in Zion National Park, Cedar Breaks and Pipe Spring National Monuments.