Steve Hein, Executive Director
shein@georgiasouthern.edu
Steve brings his passion for falconry, artistic talent, business skills and a tremendous sense of fun to his work at the Center for Wildlife Education. Steve earned a degree in Business Administration from Georgia Southern University. He holds Federal and State Licenses as a Master Falconer, and practices this ancient art with tremendous enthusiasm. As a wildlife artist, Steve received the Georgia Governor’s “Artist of Excellence” award: won the 1987 and 1988 Georgia Wildlife Management Area Stamps; was chosen in 1986, 1987, and 1990 Georgia Ducks Unlimited Artist of the Year; and worked on a national level with Ducks Unlimited, Quail Unlimited, and the National Wild Turkey Federation. Corporate patrons include Nations Bank and Coca-Cola. Serving as the Center’s director since its inception in 1991, Steve is past president of the Statesboro Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, has completed Leadership Bulloch, Leadership Southeast Georgia, and Leadership Georgia, and is a past chair of Leadership Southeast Georgia. He also served two terms as a council member of the Bulloch County Board of Education. Steve and his wife Kathy have four adult children, Adam (Jessica), Meredith (Crawford), Colleen and Mallory (Jonathan) and four grandchildren, Hattie, Seth, Elizabeth and Andrew.
Scott Courdin, Assistant Director
jscott@georgiasouthern.edu
As Assistant Director, Scott supervises and coordinates the day-to-day activities of the staff; develops and oversees implementation of protocols for animal care and education, as well as facility and exhibit upkeep. Scott is an accomplished animal trainer, wildlife rehabilitator, former falconer and environmental educator. Scott retired from the Georgia National Guard after 21 years of Service as the First Sergeant with Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry (L). Scott has deployed to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom and to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom. Scott holds an A.A. in General Science from Georgia Military College, and a B.A. in Anthropology from Georgia Southern University. While attending Georgia Southern, Scott worked alongside the Director, Steve Hein, caring for and training animals prior to the center’s opening. Scott has over 33 years of experience working with animals and has been employed as the Curator at the Wildlife Center since its establishment in 1997.
Wayne Paulk, Wildlife Curator
dpaulk@georgiasouthern.edu
Wayne joined the Wildlife Center in 2017. As the Education Coordinator, he plays a crucial role in developing and implementing educational programs, exhibits, and outreach initiatives to connect people with wildlife and foster a deeper understanding of the natural world around them. Upon his arrival, Wayne directed the Wildlife Center’s Junior Naturalist and 21st CCLC summer camps. Since then, the Wildlife Center has added multiple exhibits, including the Invasive Species Exhibit, Waterfowl Pond, and the soon-to-be-open Duck Camp, along with several renovation projects. His efforts have been pivotal in growing the center while establishing a healthy relationship between people and wildlife, making him an invaluable asset to the team. In addition to over a decade of experience in the animal field, Wayne earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Valdosta State University in 2014. Before moving to Statesboro, he gained valuable experience working at Valdosta Veterinary Hospital with Dr. Joe B. Crane II throughout his time in college. After graduation, Wayne continued working with mammals at the Otter Conservation Center, where he was the lead animal caretaker for several species of otters, including the North American river otter. His enthusiasm for wildlife education is further demonstrated by his completion of Georgia’s Project Wild and Project Learning Tree programs, as well as the 2024 Crocodilian Advisory Group’s Crocodilian Biology and Management course.
Carson Woods, Wildlife Education Coordinator
cwoods@georgiasouthern.edu
As Education Coordinator, Carson is responsible for scheduling all on and off site educational programming, managing the Center’s social media presence, and leading both volunteers and student staff. Carson began her journey at the Wildlife Center in August 2019 as a student assistant while attending Georgia Southern University. She continued in that role until completing her Bachelor of Science in Biology in December 2022. In January 2023, she returned to the Center as the Education Assistant, and stepped into the role as Education Coordinator in August 2025. In addition to her work at the Center, Carson brings valuable experience working with horses and volunteering at a local mini zoo in her hometown of Macon, Ga. Carson has always had a deep passion for the outdoors and native wildlife, and she is excited to share that enthusiasm with the community!
Luke Daniel, Wildlife Specialist
ldaniel@georgiasouthern.edu
Luke joined the Wildlife Center in September of 2024 as the Wildlife Specialist. He previously worked as an Animal Assistant at the Museum of Arts and Sciences, volunteered at Southeastern Reptile Rescue, and worked as a Reptile Keeper at the Ark Encounter.
Christel Monk, Programs Administrator
cmonk@georgiasouthern.edu
Christel joined the Wildlife Center staff on August 1, 2016 as the Administrative Coordinator. Christel was not new to the University campus. Before coming to the Center she worked in the Georgia Southern Institutional Effectiveness Office and Georgia Southern University Equal Opportunity & Title IX Office. She holds a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from Kaplan University. Christel served a total of 15 years in the Military where she worked in the Personnel and Finance Office.
Pam Harley, Part-time Retiree
Pam retired from Georgia Southern University in April 2019 after 30 years of service. She was employed as the Assistant Director of the Wildlife Center for the last 14 years of her university career. Pam returned to the Wildlife Center in 2020 as a part-time retiree to assist with the Center’s financials and budgets.