Dr. Nick "Ranger Nick" Fuhrman

Dr. Nick Fuhrman is a nationally recognized expert in environmental education, innovative teaching methods, and the use of live animals as educational tools. Fuhrman serves as the associate dean for outreach and Meigs Professor of Environmental Education in the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in forestry from Virginia Tech and a doctorate in agricultural education and communication with a focus in environmental education from the University of Florida.

Fuhrman’s commitment to environmental education began at age seven when a natural resources ranger visited his elementary school and used animals to discuss environmental issues, an experience that influenced his career path. Before entering academia, Fuhrman worked as an environmental interpreter and naturalist for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for seven years, using injured, non-releasable birds of prey and reptiles as teaching tools in outreach presentations throughout the mid-Atlantic region. This hands-on experience shaped his approach to education, which often includes bringing live animals such as snakes, turtles, alligators, and owls into the classroom to enhance student engagement.

His research demonstrates that using animals as ambassadors increases audience attention and can reduce public-speaking anxiety for educators. One of his courses, "Teaching with Animals," received the D.W. Brooks Diversity Award for its dedication to teaching individuals with special needs.

In addition to his academic role, Fuhrman hosts a monthly nature television show titled "Ranger Nick" on RFD-TV, reaching more than 60 million homes nationwide. He also teaches undergraduate courses in natural history, environmental education, and teaching methods, and hosts radio broadcasts on NPR. Fuhrman’s media presence, including television, radio, and national speaking engagements, highlights his ability to make complex environmental and educational topics accessible to diverse audiences.

Fuhrman has been named a Josiah Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professor, the University of Georgia’s highest recognition for excellence in instruction. He has received numerous awards, including recognition as a Lilly Teaching Fellow, honors from the UGA Student Government Association as one of the top 10 teachers campus-wide, and the USDA Excellence in College and University Teaching Award for Food and Agricultural Science. He has served as principal investigator or co-principal investigator on more than $10 million in grant funding.

Fuhrman delivered a TEDx Talk titled "The One Thing All Great Teachers Do," which has been viewed more than 163,000 times on YouTube. In his keynote presentations, he shares how a brief visit from a park ranger changed his life and illustrates how small moments of courage can impact others. Fuhrman uses live animals, real-life stories, and research-based lessons to demonstrate that confidence is developed and that caring for others begins with awareness. His work in environmental education, science communication, and innovative teaching continues to influence audiences in university classrooms, on national television, and at conferences across the country.