Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
7/14/03
For immediate release
Contacts: Chuck Morris, Iowa 4-H Youth Development, (515) 294-1611, cmorris@iastate.edu
Carol Ouverson, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515)
294-9640, couverso@iastate.edu
Morris To Lead Iowa 4-H
AMES, Iowa—Iowa 4-H’ers answer four questions as they meet with project judges at county fairs—What have been your goals? What steps did you take to accomplish your goals? What did you learn while working toward those goals? How do you plan to use what you learned in the future?
Those questions still apply for a seasoned 4-H’er such as Chuck Morris, newly appointed interim director of Iowa State University Extension 4-H Youth Development. An Iowa 4-H’er since age 10 and a 4-H employee since 1975, Morris noted that 4-H roots run deep in Iowa and give the program life. “4-H continually springs anew from its roots, growing and serving youth through changing eras. It has been my goal to nourish those roots and extend the program.
“ Today 4-H provides educational opportunities to help youth, volunteers and families grow.” He noted that 4-H community clubs and school enrichment programs also give youth experiences that help develop basic human values.
When Morris first joined the 4-H staff in Clay and Buena Vista counties, increased leadership was emphasized for youth. The program also entered urban communities through increased curriculum and nutrition education programs. Volunteers needed more training and leadership roles in county decisions.
“
Those three areas, significant opportunities for youth to gain life skills,
increased enrollment and volunteer development, continue to be my main
goals,” he said.
“
Celebrating the 2002 4-H centennial and the 2003 Extension centennial
reminds me that we must continue to develop new avenues of service, but
maintain our connection to the land,” he said. “The new Extension
and 4-H Building, set to open on campus in November 2003, will be a welcoming
place for youth and families to experience what ISU and 4-H have to offer.”
During his 28 years with 4-H Morris has led curriculum development and volunteer training. He has been recognized for his own spirit of volunteerism and excellence, receiving the 2002 State 4-H Alumni Award and the ISU Professional and Scientific Excellence Award. He also serves on the Governor’s Commission on Volunteer Service.
Morris holds a B.S. in Public Service
and Administration, an M.S. in Rural Sociology, and a Ph.D. in Agricultural
Education, all from ISU.
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