Dr. Chuck Morris will be retiring as director of 4-H Youth Development with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach effective January 2, 2013. Chuck’s enthusiasm for building skills in young people has been evident in his 37 years of service to the Iowa 4-H program. He has served 4-H in almost every role possible, from county 4-H educator to camp counselor to state specialist, serving as director of the 4-H program since June 2004. Previously he served as interim director of the program, as well as associate director, associate state leader, assistant state leader, and 4-H and youth leader for Clay and Buena Vista counties. Chuck also has been an assistant professor with tenure in Agricultural Education and Studies in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences since 1982.
Dr. Chuck Morris will be retiring as director of 4-H Youth Development with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach effective January 2, 2013. Chuck’s enthusiasm for building skills in young people has been evident in his 37 years of service to the Iowa 4-H program. He has served 4-H in almost every role possible, from county 4-H educator to camp counselor to state specialist, serving as director of the 4-H program since June 2004. Previously he served as interim director of the program, as well as associate director, associate state leader, assistant state leader, and 4-H and youth leader for Clay and Buena Vista counties. Chuck also has been an assistant professor with tenure in Agricultural Education and Studies in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences since 1982.
He has been tireless in promoting 4-H youth development, especially within the Iowa State Fair — taking it from simply a display of exhibits to a showcase including interactive learning experiences during the fair. In addition, Chuck has served in many roles within Iowa and nationally in support of 4-H. He has been a member of the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents, the ISU Council of Extension Professionals, Epsilon Sigma Phi, and Excellence in Extension. He also has served as an Iowa 4-H Foundation Trustee and Iowa State Fair Board Director representing ISU President Steven Leath. He contributed to national 4-H policy and strategic planning through the North Central Region Science Academy, National 4-H Leadership Summit, and numerous committees related to programming, curriculum, and volunteer development.
His accomplishments have been recognized statewide, regionally, and nationally. He has received the ISU Alumni Association Superior Service Award, Jerry Parson’s 4-H Youth Professional Award, NAE4-HA Regional Team Communication Award for a 4-H Volunteer Recruitment Educational Package, NAE4-HA American Spirit Award, NAE4-HA Distinguished Service Award, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, and Epsilon Sigma Phi State Mid-Career Award.
Under Chuck’s direction, our K-12 youth outreach programs have built leadership, citizenship, communication, and life skills in great numbers of Iowa youth, helping them reach their full potential. We are in a great position to continue getting youth excited about learning and discovering new career choices, challenging them to actively pursue education beyond high school, and building skills that improve their communities today.
4-H has been a way of life for Chuck and his family. He participated and excelled in 4-H as a youth and met his wife at state 4-H conference. Together they raised two of their own 4-H’ers and guided many others across Iowa over several decades. He has been a mentor and friend to thousands of ISU students in his work as an ISU faculty member and through Collegiate 4-H. We appreciate Chuck’s long-time dedication to and enthusiasm for 4-H Youth Development. Please join me in wishing him well in retirement.
Shared on 12/14/2012 by:
Cathann A. Kress
Vice President
2150 Beardshear
cathann@iastate.edu
515-294-5390
