Extension names new program leaders
Renee McKee heads 4-H youth development
By Tom Campbell
Renee McKee, a 24-year veteran of
the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service, is Extension's
new program leader for Indiana 4-H and youth development.
The Anderson, Ind., native will direct 135 professional
staff throughout the state who oversee approximately 20,000 volunteers
and 300,876 Indiana youths who participate in 4-H programs, helping
them "learn in a safe and positive environment."
After receiving her bachelor's degree from Indiana State
University, McKee began her Extension career in 1977 as a 4-H youth
agent in Carroll County. She was an Extension educator in Warren County
from 1981 to 1997, when she became an Extension specialist in leadership
and volunteer management in the Department of 4-H Youth on Purdue's
campus. She holds master's and doctoral degrees from Purdue.
"The challenge for us as leaders is to help those
people who think 4-H is just the county fair and nothing more,"
McKee says. "We need to help them to see that 4-H is so much more
than that. It's not just a rural program it is a total educational
experience set in a positive environment for the kids."
Of the nearly 301,000 Indiana residents between the ages
of 10 and 18 who were involved in 4-H programs in 2002, 66,052 were
members of the state's 2,482 4-H clubs. The remaining youths participated
in community settings, such as camps and after-school programs, or in
4-H school enrichment programs.
"Everybody, from a beginner to a 10-year 4-H member,
can get something out of 4-H," McKee says. "People can learn
something in 4-H, whether they show an animal at the county fair, build
a rocket or work on a computer.
"It's not just the skills that are learned in 4-H
that are important. Learning to apply those skills in other areas of
life is just as important. Our school enrichment programs are just as
helpful and educational as other types of club experiences."
David Petritz, director of Purdue Extension, says: "Renee
brings tremendous experience to the position. During her 24 years with
Purdue Extension, Renee has participated in numerous professional development
opportunities that have enhanced her leadership and administrative abilities.
She holds the respect of her colleagues in Extension and will be an
asset to our administrative team."
McKee replaces Janet Gordon, who retired Jan. 1. She
and her husband, Jim, BS '73, a Fountain County pork and grain producer,
have one daughter, Rachel.
Contact McKee at rmckee@purdue.edu
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