Our People
The Center for Civic Lands and Democratic Stewardship brings together scholars, students, practitioners, and partners interested in the relationships among people, place, and public life.
Thomas A. Bryer, Ph.D.
Founding Director
Thomas A. Bryer is Professor in the School of Public Service at Old Dominion University and founding director of the Center for Civic Lands and Democratic Stewardship.
His scholarship focuses on civic engagement, public participation, volunteerism, community-engaged research, public administration, and democratic governance. His recent work examines volunteers in the National Park Service and the ways public lands can foster stewardship, civic learning, connection, and democratic practice.
Bryer has conducted research and collaborative projects in the United States and internationally and has written or edited numerous books on civic engagement, public administration, higher education, and community partnership.
His work with civic lands combines scholarship with immersive practice, including residential volunteer service with his family in units of the National Park System.
Learn more about him on his personal website: Thomas Andrew Bryer: Professor Volunteer Collaborator
Research interests: Civic engagement • Public lands • Volunteerism • Democratic stewardship • Deliberative dialogue • Community-engaged scholarship • Public administration
Students and Fellows
Students are integral to the Center’s vision. As programs develop, this page will feature students and fellows participating in Center research, field experiences, community partnerships, and civic-lands projects.
Affiliated Scholars and Practitioners
The Center welcomes relationships with scholars and practitioners whose work contributes to understanding and strengthening the civic dimensions of shared lands.