Iowa 4-H Foundation

Posted on August 26, 2016 at 9:34 AM by Emily Saveraid

JaneAnn StoutJaneAnn Stout was a nine year 4-H member in Clay County.  She participated in the traditional ‘girls’ projects of clothing, food and nutrition and home improvement.  She also participated in the traditional ‘boys’ projects including beef, sheep, swine and poultry, as well as a variety of non-traditional projects including art.

JaneAnn started her 34 year extension career as a specialist in the ISU College of Design.  Her unique teaching style brought art and design as a discipline to the fore front in Cooperative Extension, not just a crafty pastime.  Using the research-based information around design elements and principles, JaneAnn raised the level of awareness and appreciation throughout the country in the area of 4-H visual arts through curriculum development and designing of art camps.  She created numerous teaching and project manuals to help 4-H’ers understand the principles behind art and conducted workshops for both youth and leaders. JaneAnn increased the level and quality of art taught at all 4-H camps through volunteer training and integration of 4-H youth outreach in the Design College at ISU. Her teaching style was both encouraging and supportive. She created a movement in the value of the arts in a young person's life and as possible careers.  She showcased these works at the Iowa State Fair in her role as superintendent of the Visual Art Department for many years.

JaneAnn was recognized for her work in art education and teaching asreceiving the ISU Outstanding Young Alumnus award in 1982. At that time, she was congratulated with the following:  She has pioneered and published a wealth of materials on creative visual arts and is regarded as one of the top extension specialist in her field.  Through her leadership, Iowa boasts the strongest 4-H creative visual art program in the nation.  Her work with youngsters and senior citizens is praised because she helps them develop a real sense of worthwhile realizing the finest artistic goals.  As a colleague said, "Every state should have a JaneAnn Stout."  In 1984 Stout received the Meritorious Service for 4-H Art Youth Work from ESP and the University Extension Meritorious Service award in 1988.

Upon becoming Associate Dean and Director for ISU Families Extension in 1990, JaneAnn maintained her commitment to the 4-H youth program.  This was demonstrated by supporting county families extension staff to use their expertise in maintaining the quality of the 4-H program in the areas of family and consumer science.  JaneAnn has always been an advocate for underserved audiences and the relationship of youth to their family and community.  She provided strong CYFAR and EFNEP programs that created opportunities to strengthen families and communities to support often underserved youth. 

JaneAnn was a consistent advocate for 4-H and the consideration of delivery methods where youth and volunteers had opportunities to expand their skills and interests, to increase their quality of life and to know there are career and volunteer choices where they will make a difference in the lives of others.  She is a role model to young women in the area of leadership.  She advocates when necessary, compromises and takes the creative risk to help youth and families have a voice in the determination of their own lives.

Following an illustrative career JaneAnn retired in 2008 becoming active in her community, church and other volunteer opportunities.

 

Categories: State Recognition

Comments
Congratulations! Today I'm remembering the day that we prepared clay for camp at our farm north of Boone under the shade of our oak trees.
jane arends | 3/20/23 at 3:16 AM
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