Education

• Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Education and Communication, University of Florida (2007)
  Concentration: Extension Education, Program Development & Evaluation
  Minor: Environmental Education
  Dissertation title: "Predicting commitment to engage in environmentally responsible behaviors using injured and non-injured animals as teaching tools"
• Master of Science in Forestry, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (2004)
  Thesis title: "An analysis of the ecology and public perception of coarse woody debris in Virginia"
• Bachelor of Science in Forestry, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (2002)

Biography

Also known as “Ranger Nick,” Dr. Nick Fuhrman's professional background is in environmental education. He 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. At the University of Georgia, Dr. Fuhrman is a Program Evaluation Specialist and works with Extension professionals in the evaluation of their programs. He also enjoys teaching courses in Program Development and Program Evaluation as well as mentoring students.

Research Interests

Dr. Fuhrman's research interests are in nonformal teaching methods, program evaluation, and the use of live animals as teaching tools. Specifically, Dr. Fuhrman is interested in the characteristics of animals (injured vs. non-injured, naming an animal vs. not naming them, exotic vs. native) that influence learning and behavior change among program participants. He also has an interest in statistics and multivariate data analysis techniques.

Awards

• D.W. Books Award for Diversity
• Outstanding Graduate Teaching Faculty Award
• Distinguished Manuscript Award – American Association for Agricultural Education
• Outstanding Research Paper – American Association for Agricultural Education
• CAES Early Career Teaching Award
• NACTA Blue Ribbon Keynote Speaker on exemplary college teaching
• One of ten UGA Top Teachers as voted by the Student Government Assoc. (2014, 2017)
• NACTA Teacher of Merit Award
• AgHon Honorary Member for Teaching Excellence
• Inducted into Phi Kappa Phi Chapter 32 for Teaching Excellence

Research

Environmental Sustainability

• The Influence of School Culture on Environmental Education Integration: A Case Study of an Urban Private School System

Extension Education and Program Evaluation

• Using Digital Classrooms to Conduct 4-H Club Meetings
• Graduate Students Serve Extension as Evaluation Consultants
• Program Evaluation Competencies of Extension Professionals: Implications for Continuing Professional Development