Early in his life, photographer Joel Sartore gained an affinity for nature and the environment through photos of extinct birds. Now, he has created the National Geographic Photo Ark, a multiyear project dedicated to species in the world’s zoos and wildlife sanctuaries.

Joel Sartore is an award-winning photographer, speaker, author, conservationist, and the 2018 National Geographic Explorer of the Year. He is a regular contributor to National Geographic Magazine, and an Eagle Scout. His hallmarks are a sense of humor and a Midwestern work ethic.

Joel specializes in documenting endangered species and landscapes around the world. He is the founder of the Photo Ark, a 25-year documentary project to save species and habitat. “It is folly to think that we can destroy one species and ecosystem after another and not affect humanity,” he says. “When we save species, we’re actually saving ourselves.”

He and his work have been the subject of many national broadcasts, including National Geographic’s Explorer, NBC Nightly News, the CBS Sunday Morning Show, ABC’s Nightline, NPR’s Weekend Edition, PBS Newshour, Fresh Air with Terry Gross, 60 Minutes, and the Today Show. Joel is always happy to return from his travels around the world to his home in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Contact & Comment

To suggest topics, speakers or performers for future events, or to comment on the current series, contact Presidential Lecture & Performance Series Lead Administrator Dóri Bosnyák.

Parking Arrangements

We greatly appreciate University Parking Services for their consideration of our patrons in agreeing to provide complimentary parking preceding our events. Parking lots that are available for complimentary use are R03 (the Library lot), R11 (the Band lot), R07 (the Administration Building lot), and R13 (the Visitor lot). Please refer to the map for parking lot locations. Please note that parking in handicap, service and reserved spaces until 11:00 pm is prohibited without a valid TTU parking or handicap permit.