Meet the Team: J.T. Schexnayder III, NCOAE Outdoor Program Coordinator

Coming off a four-year stint as coordinator for a university outdoor recreation program, J.T. Schexnayder III is proving to be a masterful leader as our outdoor program coordinator. Raised in Myrtle Beach, S.C., this neighboring state native led his middle school peers on backpacking, climbing, caving and paddleboard expeditions to backcountry areas in his home state, as well as other excursions to Colorado and Wyoming.

Before joining us here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE), J.T. organized student expeditions for the University of Georgia from 2021 to 2025. Before that, he brought the outdoors into his six- through eighth-grade classes in South Carolina and Wyoming. When school broke for summer, he would head to Highlands Presbyterian Camp and Retreat Center in Allenspark, Colorado, where as the Adventure Camp director, he supervised and guided climbing, hiking, and outdoor leadership programs as camp director.

Our new program director (he joined our team in June of 2025) received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 2018 from Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA, with a major in American History. Following that, J.T. received a Master of Science in Forestry and Natural Resources (major in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management) in 2025 from the University of Georgia (Athens, GA).

As an outdoor educator, J.T. is a member of the Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education (AORE), as well as the Association for Experiential Education (AEE). He holds certifications in Wilderness First Responder (WFR), CPR/AED and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA).

We asked J.T. to respond to a few questions about himself and his career, and he graciously agreed:

NCOAE: In your own words, what makes you qualified for your job?

J.T SCHEXNAYDER: Having served as a middle school science teacher for four years and campus outdoor coordinator for three, I am coming into this position with a unique blend of educational and outdoor experience. 

NCOAE: What is your favorite part about working for NCOAE and what are you most excited about?

J.T.: I am most excited about providing our clients with unforgettable experiences that promote personal growth, community involvement, and a lifelong love of the outdoors.

NCOAE: Who is your role model and why? 

J.T.: I am fortunate to have many great role models, including my wife, parents, and friends. One role model in particular that influenced my current career path is my grandfather, who constantly brought me outside as a kid.

NCOAE: Do you have any hobbies?

J.T.: My hobbies include cooking, reading, walking my dog, dancing, and anything outdoors, ranging from hiking to caving, to skiing and paddling.

NCOAE: Do you have a family?

J.T.: I’m married to my beautiful wife, and while we don’t have children yet, we do have two cats and a cocker spaniel.

NCOAE: And if you were to possess a superpower, what would it be and why?

J.T.: My superpower would be to clean all my dirty dishes with a snap of the finger. I love cooking, but cleaning up is too time consuming!

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