DIRECTOR / CHIEF GUIDE
Leon Chartrand, Ph.D, Founding Director / Chief Guide / Teaching Professor
Dr. Leon Chartrand
"Dr. Leon" founded Xavier Expeditions in his first year teaching at Xavier University in 2010. So far, he has guided 73 expeditions. In addition to guiding and teaching, Dr. Leon is responsible for directing Xavier Expeditions, which includes managing all safety-based logistics, planning new expedition developments, prioritizing student well-being, recruiting talented faculty, and long-term growth of the program.
Dr. Leon received a Ph.D. from the University of Toronto in Environmental Ethics in 2008, specializing in Thomas Berry, Mircea Eliade and Shamanism. He also holds two doctoral certificates: one in Theology and Ecology from the Elliott Allen Institute at the University of St. Michael's College; the other, in Wilderness/Large Mammal Conservation from the Center for the Environment, Department of Forestry, University of Toronto. Before coming to Xavier, Dr. Leon served as the Regional Bear Biologist and Bear Management Officer for the Wyoming Game & Fish Department in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. He also served as the Bear Wise Community Planner for the State of Wyoming where he authored and implemented a community-based program to reduce conflicts between humans and bears. In addition to being a wilderness guide and teaching professor, Dr. Leon also specializes in the areas of Ecology, Indigenous Lifeways, Environmental Philosophy, and Eco-spirituality.
Dr. Leon’s Contact Information:
leonchartrand.com (professional website)