In Memory of Ty Cobb: A Visionary Leader of Resilience and Impact

Before joining YNI in 1995, Ty served his country with distinction as a U.S. Army officer, completing two tours in Vietnam, and later as a tenured professor at West Point. His service continued at the national level, where he worked as a special assistant to President Ronald Reagan. Ty was a key advisor during historic summits with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in Geneva (1985) and Reykjavik (1986), bringing to YNI the same creativity and crisis management skills he honed on the global stage.

During his tenure at YNI, Ty faced and overcame numerous challenges. When the 1995 federal government shutdown closed national parks, Ty and his team quickly pivoted, relocating student programs to alternative sites to ensure environmental education for our students could continue. Just two years later, the devastating 1997 Merced River flood disrupted operations in Yosemite National Park. Ty’s decisive leadership enabled the organization to shift students to the Olympic National Park campus, fostering collaboration and connection between campuses that helped unify YNI/NatureBridge in the years ahead.  

Ty’s strategic vision extended beyond crisis management. Along with then-board chair, Linda Brownstein, he launched YNI’s Diversity Initiative, which provided scholarships for students who face barriers to experiencing the outdoors, expanding access to the transformative power of environmental education. He also strengthened the organization’s financial foundation, recruited talented leaders, and fostered a culture of adaptability and innovation.

“Ty brought resilience, imagination, and a gift for uniting people,” said Brownstein. “He strengthened YNI during difficult times and inspired us to think boldly about our future.”

Today, NatureBridge serves over 30,000 students annually, a testament to the legacy Ty helped shape. His leadership, vision, and commitment to environmental education remain central to NatureBridge’s mission to connect young people to the natural world and inspire environmental stewardship.

Honoring Ty’s Legacy

Ty’s life and leadership are a lasting inspiration. Memorial donations may be made in his honor:  

• Plant a memorial tree: Sympathy Legacy Memorial Trees  
• Support the Tyrus W. Cobb International Affairs Scholarship Endowment (#175832)
  • Mail: University of Nevada, Reno Foundation, Mail Stop 0162, Reno, NV 89557  
  • Online: www.unr.edu/giving  

Ty Cobb’s legacy is one of courage, adaptability, and a steadfast belief in the power of education to change lives. May his memory inspire us all to face challenges with creativity, compassion, and resilience.