Biography and education
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.
Featured grants
- 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, Griffin, Luther Kent. Improving Ecological Behavior Through Virtual Reality Of Nature, Texas State University, $14000. (Funded: January 1, 2023 - Present). Grant.
Featured scholarly/creative works
- 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/https://doi.org/10.18666/JOREL-2020-V12-I4-10182
- 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
- Campano, M. A., Langdon, S. G., Hodges, J., & Deringer, S. A. (2024). That special time of the month: Menstruation and feminine hygiene in college outdoor recreation programs. Journal of Experiential Education. https://doi.org/doi.org/10.1177/10538259231189171
- Martin, N. H., Deringer, S. A., & undefined et al. (Eds.). (2024). Wimberley Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan. Wimberley, TX, USA. Retrieved from https://issuu.com/mhsplanning/docs/2024-2034_wimberley_parks_recreation_comprehensi?fr=sMGNkZjc1MTMyOTM
Featured awards
- 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
- Award / Honor Recipient: College Achievement Award for Teaching, Texas State University. May 2019
Featured service activities
- Member
College of Education Research Office Advisory Committee
- Member
Graduate Council
- Chair
Outdoor Recreation Coordinator Search
- Undergraduate Advisor
- Graduate Advisor
- Chair
Alumni Committee