Faculty and Staff Profile

Kelly Alvidrez

Educational Background

PhD Parks and Conservation Area Management
Clemson University 2026

MS Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management
Clemson University 2022

BS Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management
Arizona State University 2012

Courses Taught

PRTM 3080 Leadership and Group Processes
PRTM EDGE Professionalism (guest lectured)
PRTM 1980 Intro to the Guest Room Attendant (guest lectured)
PRTM 2260 - Foundations of Management and Administration in PRTM (TA)
PRTM 3300 - Visitor Services and Interpretation (TA)

Research Interests

My research interests center on the intersection of park management, community engagement, and the sustainable use of natural spaces. Specifically, I am interested in exploring the challenges and opportunities associated with carrying capacity in public parks, examining how visitation levels impact both ecological health and visitor experience. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing management strategies that preserve natural resources while maximizing user satisfaction.

A key component of my research involves investigating how parks can foster mutually beneficial relationships with surrounding communities. I aim to understand the ways community engagement initiatives, participatory decision-making, and public outreach efforts shape public attitudes toward parks and influence responsible usage patterns. By evaluating community perspectives, I hope to identify barriers to participation and trust, as well as effective strategies for promoting stewardship among park visitors.

Research Publications

Alvidrez, K. (2022). Outreach as Dialogue: Lessons from University Forests. Master’s thesis. All Theses. 3721. Clemson University. https://open.clemson.edu/all_theses/3721

Honors and Awards

2025 Francis A. McGuire Graduate Student Teaching Award
2025 Outstanding Teaching Assistant, Doctoral Student