Stephen F. Austin State University alumnus Clayton Wolf has been named the chief operating officer of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. In this position, he will work within the executive office of TPWD as a liaison between the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission and TPWD staff members, and he will be responsible for the overall operation of the statewide department that manages more than 770,000 acres of wildlife management areas and 600,000 acres of state parks, natural areas and state historic sites.
Wolf, who graduated from SFA with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry with a concentration in forest wildlife management, has a 27-year career with TPWD and previously served as the statewide wildlife division director.
“Any success I have achieved is because of my parents, all the great people around me and SFA’s Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture,” Wolf said.
In this new position, Wolf will work within the executive office of TPWD as a liaison between the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission and TPWD staff members, and he be responsible for the overall operation of the statewide department that manages more than 770,000 acres of wildlife management areas and 600,000 acres of state parks, natural areas and state historic sites.
“Having been with TPWD for many years, I’m confident we can utilize the many success stories within the agency as models to make TPWD even more effective and efficient in delivering our mission,” Wolf said. “Externally, our work must be relevant to all Texans, whether they enjoy wildlife as hunters, anglers, hikers, campers, or they simply enjoy watching wildlife in their backyards and local communities.”
The mission of the TPWD is to manage and conserve the natural and cultural resources of Texas and to provide hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. It is a recognized national leader in implementing effective natural resources conservation and outdoor recreational programs.
Wolf earned a master’s degree from Texas A&M University and, prior to beginning his career with TPWD, worked as a private sector wildlife biologist in Southeast Texas. He is a member of the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture’s advisory council, which comprises a select group of accomplished professionals representing all disciplines within the college who dedicate their time, insight and expertise to enhancing the mission, academic rigor and success of the college.
Story by Sarah Fuller, outreach coordinator for Stephen F. Austin State University’s Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture. Contact information: (936) 468-1185 or fullersa@sfasu.edu.
