Crystal Eustice is a Teaching Specialist in the Department of Community Sustainability. Crystal holds a Ph.D. in Sustainable Tourism and Protected Area Management with a specialization in Ecological Food and Farming Systems from Michigan State University (MSU), a M.S. in Community, Agriculture, Recreation, and Resource Studies, and a B.S. in Environmental Studies and Agriscience with a specialization in Community Engagement and Education. In her role at MSU she teaches several courses on sustainability, travel and tourism, and the history of environmental thought. Dr. Eustice also serves as the Sustainable Parks, Recreation and Tourism academic advisor and internship coordinator.
Crystal is a past Adams Academy Fellow and alumni of the Great Lakes Leadership Advancement Program (LAP) provided by the Great Lakes Leadership Academy (GLLA). Her passion and dedication in pursing effective teaching and leadership practices to enhance student experiences was recognized by 2021-2022 North American Colleges and Teachers in Agriculture (NACTA) Teaching Merit Award.
Dr. Eustice is an interdisciplinary researcher, and her interests and projects include applied research in parks and recreation, sustainable tourism, consumer behavior, as well as research focused on the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL). She recently co-developed an Education Abroad (EA) Program in South Africa titled Conservation, Sustainability and Ecotourism Education in South Africa and is currently working on co-developing another EA Program to Saskatchewan with the guidance of MSUs Canadian Studies Center.
Dr. Eustice loves working with students and developing programs and curriculum that supports their learning and development as scholars, practitioners, and leaders, and looks forward to an engaging year with colleagues as a Lilly Fellow.