Faculty Profiles

Colleges and Departments

Dr. Anthony Deringer

  • Associate Professor - Dept of Health & Human Performance
Portrait of Dr. Anthony Deringer

Biography and expertise

Dr. Deringer is an Associate Professor at Texas State University in the Recreation Administration division. Prior to academia, Dr. Deringer led backpacking, climbing, and river trips and was the administrator for several outdoor recreation programs. His work experience inspired him to conduct research in the area of human interactions with nature. Recent research project topics include mindfulness in outdoor recreation, nature connection, and virtual nature experiences.

Education

Doctorate Degree

EDD in Educational Leadership

Washington State University, 2016

Master's Degree

MSRLS in Recreation and Leisure Services - Recreation Management

Texas State University, 2011

Bachelor's Degree

BA in Religion

Univ of Mary Hardin-Baylor, 2006

  • Kipp, Lindsay E. (Principal), Griffin, Luther Kent (Co-Principal), Deringer, Stephen Anthony (Co-Principal), Mettler, Joni A (Co-Principal), Forsythe, Michelle Elizabeth (Co-Principal). Enhancing mental and physical health of children and adolescents through innovative afterschool programs, College of Education Social Innovation Research Accelerator, Texas State University, $13396. (Submitted: October 2019, Funded: January 2020 - May 2022). Grant.
  • Griffin, Luther Kent, Percent Contribution: %50, Deringer, Stephen A (Co-Principal), Percent Contribution: %40, Thomas, Krista A, Percent Contribution: %10. Spring Lake Outdoor Education Program, State of Texas, $49276.31. (Funded: May 1, 2019 - December 31, 2020). Grant.
  • Griffin, Luther Kent, Percent Contribution: %60, Deringer, Stephen Anthony (Co-Principal), Percent Contribution: %40. San Marcos High School Mountain Bike Program, San Marcos Commission on Children and Youth, Municipal, $2000. (Funded: April 1, 2019 - May 31, 2020). Grant.
  • Deringer, Stephen Anthony. Service Learning Mini Grant, Texas State University, $500. (Funded: December 2023). Grant.
  • Deringer, Stephen Anthony. Faculty Developmental Leave, Texas State University, $20000. (Funded: August 2025 - August 2026). Grant.
View all grants
  • Deringer, S. A., Martinez, G. P., Dussler, M. R., & Morreale, A. M. (2023). A pedagogy of place in a contested border region: an ethnographical examination of student experiences. Journal of Experiential Education, 46(4), 390–411.
  • Griffin, L. K., Meaney, K. S., & Deringer, S. A. (2020). “Until I’m Just Too Old to Turn the Pedals”:  Exploring Motivational Characteristics of Participants in a High School Mountain Bike Program. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership, 12, 397–408. https://doi.org/10.18666/JOREL-2020-V12-I4-10182
  • Meeks, A. L., Serenari, C., Rubino, E., Newstead, D., Barron, T., & Deringer, S. A. (2026). Admiration to Action: How Charisma Orientations towards Waterbirds Influence Their Conservation. Conservation.
  • Deringer, S. A., Hanley, A. W., Dussler, M. R., Griffin, L. K., Esmiol, A. L. M., & Mitten, D. (2025). The Impact of Mindfulness on Nature Connection in Nearby Nature Settings. Journal of Leisure Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1080/01490400.2025.2599359
  • Deringer, S. A., Mitten, D., Rabinowitz, E., Leonard, A., & Clegg, J. (2025). Use of Nearby Nature in College Outdoor Programming. Journal of Experiential Education, 48(1), 4–21. https://doi.org/10.1177/10538259241265970
View all scholarly/creative works
  • Award / Honor Recipient: Presidential Distinction Award Excellence in Teaching, Texas State University. 2025
  • Award / Honor Recipient: College Achievement Award in Service within the Presidential Awards Program. 2024
  • Award / Honor Recipient: Presidential Distinction Award in Service. August 2023
  • Award / Honor Recipient: Presidential Distinction Award in Service. August 2021
  • Award / Honor Recipient: Presidential Distinction Award in Service. August 2020
View all awards
  1. Member

    Dean of the Honors College Search Committee

  2. Member

    World Leisure Center For Excellence - Agreement Signing

  3. Member

    Outdoor Research Collaborative for Health, Wellbeing, and Experiential Engagemen

  4. Member

    College of Education Research Office Advisory Committee

  5. Member

    Graduate Council

  6. Undergraduate Advisor

  7. View all activities