COE Faculty Profile

James H. Wilson, Ph.D.
E. Desmond Lee Endowed Professor
Experiential & Family Education
Division of Teaching & Learning

Email: wilsonjh@msx.umsl.edu
Office: 221 J.C. Penney Bldg.
Phone: 314-516-5973

Jim has been a biologist, educator and administrator for most of his life. Raised in the hills of Northeast Missouri, he received his Bachelor’s degree in biology and education from Northeast Missouri State and his MS and PhD degrees in plant ecology from Iowa State. In his current position as part of the Des Lee Collaborative at UM-St. Louis, he works with Forest Park Forever to develop education programs that will better connect people to nature in the park and the greater St. Louis region.

Jim’s major interests include environmental interpretation and the interrelationship of people and the land. Formerly with the Missouri Department of Conservation in endangered species, natural history and education, he helped develop and supervise nature centers and conservation education programs across the state. He currently serves on the board of the Discovery Expedition of St. Charles, recreating and telling the story of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the culture and the resources of the time. He is also a member of the board of the Open Space Council, a group dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of open green space in the greater St. Louis region.