Jeff Corwin has a brand new TV show, “Jeff Corwin’s Southern Wild,” seen on the “Weekend Adventure” on ABC stations. Jeff is joined by Dr. Lee King, the President of Lees-McRae College.
Jeff Corwin and Dr. Lee King (2026)
Host Lori Rosales speaks with biologist and wildlife conservationist Jeff Corwin and Lees-McRae College President Dr. Lee King about their partnership on the weekend ABC TV series “Jeff Corwin’s Southern Wild.”
PLEASE NOTE: This version of the interview differs slightly from the original TV broadcast. Host segments have been rearranged, and some promotional clips have been removed.
Mini-Biographies:
Born July 11, 1967, in Norwell, Massachusetts, Jeff Corwin is a biologist, wildlife conservationist, and Emmy Award-winning television personality. He earned bachelor’s degrees in biology and anthropology from Bridgewater State University and a master’s degree in wildlife and fisheries conservation from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Corwin rose to global prominence as the host and executive producer of nature series including Disney Channel’s “Going Wild with Jeff Corwin,” Animal Planet’s “The Jeff Corwin Experience,” and ABC’s “Ocean Mysteries with Jeff Corwin,” “Ocean Treks with Jeff Corwin,” and “Wildlife Nation with Jeff Corwin.” Beyond his television career, he has served as an environmental correspondent for CNN, authored ten books on wildlife conservation, and lectures globally on ecological protection.
Dr. Herbert Lee King is an American higher education administrator and nonprofit leader who has served as the 16th president of Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, North Carolina, since 2018. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Hampden-Sydney College, a master’s degree in educational administrative leadership from Eastern Kentucky University, and a Doctor of Education in educational leadership from the University of Virginia. Prior to his presidency at Lees-McRae, King built a distinguished career in academic administration, holding executive leadership roles in institutional advancement, student life, career services, and athletics at institutions including Hollins University, Hampden-Sydney College, and Ferrum College. Under his leadership at Lees-McRae, the college has achieved record student enrollment, significantly expanded its campus footprint, and doubled its endowment. Beyond his administrative duties, King serves on the executive committee of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities and recently completed his term as president of Conference Carolinas.
About the “Jeff Corwin’s Southern Wild”:
Filmed across North Carolina, “Jeff Corwin’s Southern Wild” follows Corwin from the Appalachian Mountains to the Atlantic coast as he explores the wildlife, wild places and passionate people that make the Tar Heel State one of the country’s most remarkable natural environments. Along the way, Corwin will search for bats and salamanders, encounter black bears, alligators and sea turtles, snorkel waterways in exploration of native fish, and take viewers inside wildlife rescue and conservation efforts happening in real-time. Joining Corwin in the field are scientists, wildlife experts and conservationists, as well as Lees-McRae College students, educators and alumni, whose hands-on work in wildlife biology, rehabilitation and conservation offers a window into how the next generation of environmental leaders is being prepared. The show is produced with an exclusive partnership with Lees-McRae College.
Interview Credits:
- Recorded: September 22, 2026
- Host / Producer: Lori Rosales
- Editor: Richard R. Lee
- Special Thanks To: Hearst Media Production Group