Dr. Tiffany Rhodes brings a multidisciplinary perspective to sustainable tourism education, drawing from experiences in science, business, humanitarian work, cross-cultural studies, outdoor recreation, and tourism management. With academic training in biology and experience teaching environmental education, physics, and chemistry, she developed an early appreciation for the environmental dimensions of sustainability.
Her work in humanitarian aid, peacebuilding, and cross-cultural studies took her to countries including Sudan, Rwanda, Uganda, Nicaragua, Bosnia, Croatia, and Serbia, where she explored issues of community development, peacebuilding, reconciliation, cultural identity, and social justice. These experiences deepened her understanding of the social and cultural dimensions of sustainability.
Professionally, Dr. Rhodes has worked as an outdoor educator, recreation guide, adventure travel leader, tourism marketer, and destination consultant. Having traveled to more than 70 countries and led adventure and ecotourism experiences throughout the United States and internationally, she brings extensive real-world experience into the classroom. Her professional background includes tourism marketing, destination development, strategic planning, partnership building, and community engagement, providing students with practical insights into the opportunities and challenges facing communities and tourism organizations.
By combining perspectives from environmental science, humanitarian and cross-cultural work, and tourism business, Dr. Rhodes approaches sustainable tourism through its interconnected environmental, social, and economic dimensions. She is passionate about helping students become thoughtful leaders who can balance conservation, community well-being, and economic vitality to create more sustainable and resilient communities.
Academic Background
- Ph.D. Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management (in progress), Clemson University
- D.Min. Cross-Cultural Studies, Gordon-Conwell
Courses Taught
Graduate:
- SUS 530 Building Collaborative Communities
- SUS 555 Sustainable Development
- HOS 510 Leadership, Innovation & Ethics in Sustainable Tourism
- REC 510 Sustainable Nature-Based Tourism
Undergraduate:
- REC 320 Sustainable Nature-Based Tourism
- REC 361 Recreation Practicum
- FYS 101 Adirondack Adventure
- MGT 202 Sports Management
- MGT 303 Semester in Residence
- SOC 303 Semester in Residence
- INT 390 Internship Experience
- HUM 202 Religions Around the World
- COM 320 Creating and Communicating Value
Selected Publications
Clanton, T.C., Chancellor, H.C., Park, S., & Rhodes, T.R. (Accepted, March 2025). Applying the benefits-based programming model to advance community well-being through cycling. International journal of community well-being.
Machlis, G.E., Rhodes, T.R., & Carrero-Martinez, F.A. (Accepted, March 2025). Perspectives: The Challenges of Displaced and Exiled Scientists. Science and Global Policy
Chancellor, C., Romans, T., Clanton, T., Rhodes, T.R., & Park, S. (In Review). Strengthening Active Transportation Through Small Grants. Sustainability.
Rhodes, T.R. (2024). Responsible tour guiding: A comprehensive guide to sustainable tourism practices. Johnson & Wales University.
Rhodes, T.R. (in preparation). Adventure travel and tourism: A reference handbook [Manuscript in preparation]. Bloomsbury Academic Inc.
Rhodes, T.R. (In Review). Scientist in Exile – An Annotated Bibliography. Washington, DC: National Academy of Sciences.
Chancellor, H.C., Clanton, T.C., Rhodes, T.R., Park, S., & Bernabe, G. (2022). Outride Fund Evaluation. [Report presented to the Outride Organization].
Rhodes, T.R. (2014). War, Peace, and Reconciliation in a Broken World: Case Studies from Central Africa and Eastern Europe. (Publication No. 962929478) [Doctoral Dissertation, Gordon Conwell]. World Cat.
Selected Conference Presentations, Invited Talks, and Panel Discussions
Billington, R., Clarke, D., Day, J., & Rhodes, T.R., (2025, November). Visitor Behavior & Environmental Stewardship: Regenerative Storytelling. Center for Responsible Tourism: World Tourism Forum, Cape Cod, MA
Chancellor, H.C., Park, S., Clanton. T., & Rhodes, T.R. (2025, March). Developing critical consciousness in youth through bicycle programming. Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability and Diversity, Honolulu, HI.
Romans, T.S., Chancellor, H.C., Clanton, T., Rhodes, T.R, & Park, S. (2025, March). Strengthening community cycling ecosystems through small grants. 47th Annual Southeastern Environment & Recreation Research Conference, Helen, GA.
Rhodes, T.R., Park, S., Irvine, C. (2024, September). Building Critical Conscientiousness in Tourists: How Education on Key Issues Transforms Attitudes and Travel Behaviors. Center for Responsible Travel Conference on Tourism, Justice, & Peace, Atlanta, GA.
Ho, V., Ramos, A., Rhodes, T.R., Spears, C. (2023, February). Climate justice and the intersection with human rights. [Moderator]. Johnson & Wales University, Providence, RI.
Chancellor, H.C., Clanton, T., Park, S., & Rhodes, T.R. (2023, December). Promoting critical consciousness through bicycling. World Leisure Congress, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Rhodes, T.R. (2023, April 13). Rethinking Tourist Types: A Call for Responsible Travel. Johnson & Wales University Research Expo. Providence, RI.
Park, S., Clanton. T., Chancellor, H.C., & Rhodes, T.R. (2023, March). Benefits-based programming and the bicycle. Southeastern Environment & Recreation Research Conference, Asheville, NC.
Park, S., Clanton. T., Chancellor, H.C., & Rhodes, T.R. (2023, March). Bicycling as a critical consciousness mechanism for youth. Southeastern Environment & Recreation Research Conference, Asheville, NC.
Rhodes, T.R. (2023, February). Typology of tourists; the need for the responsible tourist. Rise Travel Institute Student Conference. New York University, New York, NY.
Chancellor, H.C, Clanton, T., Rhodes, T.R., Park, S., & Bernabe, G. (2022, October 25). Empowering youth cyclists; many routes to the same goal. Outride Research Summit, Online.
Rhodes, T.R. (2022, October 14). A Call for women-specific recreation spaces: how to be more inclusive. Recreation and Sports: Towards a Sustainable Future, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Rhodes, T.R. (2022, October 15). The Future of tourism is at stake; how to rebuild it. Recreation and Sports: Towards a Sustainable Future, San Juan, Puerto Rico.