4-H state leader to coordinate youth programs

Submitted by Debbie Carter
Phone: 907-474-5406
11/05/09

The University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service has hired Deb Jones as the 4-H program leader for Alaska.

Jones has worked as a 4-H agent in Alaska, New Hampshire and Virginia, and as 4-H state specialist for the past eight years in Utah. In her new job, she will coordinate 4-H youth development programs in Alaska, which serve more than 13,000 Alaska youth.

"We are very excited that Deb has joined our 4-H youth development team," said Fred Schlutt, Cooperative Extension Service director. "She brings many years of experience in positive youth development and volunteerism."

Jones, who grew up in Virginia, volunteered with Fairbanks area 4-H camps one summer before earning a graduate degree in Extension education at Mississippi State. Jones worked as a 4-H agent in Fairbanks from 1984-1987 and earned a doctorate this spring.

Jones will serve as a catalyst for expanding 4-H programs. Many people think of sewing, cooking and raising livestock when they think of 4-H, she said. Jones wants to continue these strong traditional programs, while supporting new areas--science, engineering and technology, citizenship and healthy living.

The 4-H program, which is affiliated with land-grant universities in every state, emphasizes a hands-on approach to learning. Six full-time 4-H agents work out of Fairbanks, Anchorage, Palmer and Soldotna, and other Extension faculty members work with 4-H programs in Fairbanks, Soldotna, Bethel, Juneau and Nome. More than 1,100 volunteers support the program.

Jones will work out of the Extension state office in Fairbanks. She welcomes comments and questions about the 4-H program and can be reached at 474-6356 or by e-mail at deb.jones@alaska.edu. She would also like to hear from 4-H alumni about their experiences.

CONTACT: Deb Jones, 4-H program leader, at 907-474-6356 or via e-mail at deb.jones@alaska.edu. Debbie Carter, Cooperative Extension Service public information officer, at 907-474-5406 or dscarter@alaska.edu.

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