Director of Outdoor Adventures
Nathan Armstrong Rector was brought into this world during a historical blizzard to a family of ranchers. He grew up in the oldest town in Texas, Nacogdoches. As an independent child, Nathan spent his free time exploring the wilderness surrounding his homestead. This desire to grow and learn led to Nathan’s enlisting into the Marines where he served on two tours to Iraq and Afghanistan.
Upon his safe return to the United States, Nathan enrolled in Stephen F. Austin University where he pursued a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Master’s in Professional Accountancy. While pursuing his studies, Nathan served as the Graduate Assistant for Outdoor Pursuits–allowing him to pursue his passion for the outdoors and hone his outdoor leadership skills. After graduating, Nathan used his skills and experiences to work with the National Outdoor Leadership School leading month-long horseback, mountaineering and backpacking trips in Wyoming, Idaho and Alaska. After fighting a bear to the death, Nathan decided to return to a safer occupation and pursued a role as a Coordinator for Outdoor Adventures with Iowa State University under Jerry Rupert, a famous director of collegiate outdoor programs. From there, Nathan served as the Head of Outdoor Education for a private international boarding school in the Indian Himalayas and personally explored many mountain tops. Next, Nathan took his experience to the University of North Carolina Greensboro where he served as the Director of Outdoor Adventures. After spending 5 years at UNCG, Nathan was ready for a new challenge and opportunities and sought out a position at Duke University.
Nathan currently serves as the Director of Outdoor Adventures where he oversees outdoor trips, the Wilson Climbing Wall, and assists with experiential education opportunities for Outdoor Adventures part-time staff. Nathan is begrudgingly pursuing a PhD in Geography and Environmental Sustainability with a focus on environmental perceptions of the Gangotri Glacier and hopes to be an Environmental Geographer.
When he is not studying, he loves sailing, being outside in the woods, water, or growing food and raising animals on his small farm outside of Greensboro. He is an avid mountaineer, having summited Mt. Kenya, Banderpunch, Cotopaxi, Pico De Orizaba, Cayambe, and Chimborazo. He enjoys spending time with his dog, Miss Kitty, and takes her hiking, camping, and sailing. In addition to spending time with his dog, he admits to enjoying spending time with his partner, Amelia. They adventure and explore together regularly, seek out new challenges, and strive to “never be boring”.