Dr. Deborah Bialeschki graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science in Education majoring in Physical Education. She completed her Master of Arts majoring in Recreation, Park, and Leisure studies degree at the University of Minnesota. She earned a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Wisconsin. Dr. Bialeschki has served as an Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina since 1992. Prior to this appointment she served as Assistant Professor at the University of North Carolina and Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. Other duties have included Project Assistant, Teaching Assistant, and lecturer at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She also served as Assistant Accessibility Coordinator for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in addition to being a teaching assistant at the University of Minnesota. She began her career by teaching Physical Education in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. Dr. Bialeschki authored 10 books and collaborated on 15 book chapters and many articles and presentations in national and international journals and conferences. She presented these papers at numerous conferences. She is a sitting member several national, state, and university committees and boards. She received academic awards including the SPRE Award for Excellence in Teaching. She was co-editor for Leisure Sciences. The American Camping Association and the International Camping Conference recognized her leadership in Leisure Studies. Dr. Bialeschki's research projects focused on youth development through outdoor/camping experiences.