UT Extension Names Director of 4-H Youth Development

May 28, 2020


A familiar face is moving up in the ranks to lead University of Tennessee 4-H Youth Development across the state. Justin Crowe has been named director and statewide program leader for 4-H and began his new role on June 1.

Crowe was active in 4-H programs as a student, completing a variety of projects and competing in team judging contests in many categories. He also held leadership roles as a student at the county, regional, and state level. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences from Freed Hardeman University, Crowe began his professional career with 4-H in Davidson County, engaging urban youth in hands-on learning experiences for five years. Since 2008, Crowe has served as Extension specialist in the statewide 4-H Youth Development Office. Over the course of his career, Crowe has helped secure more than $5.2 million in funding to support Tennessee 4-H youth programs. Crowe also holds a master’s degree in education from Tennessee Technological University.

 “I am excited to serve in this new role,” he says. “We have a wonderful 4-H program in Tennessee, thanks to the leadership of our staff and volunteers across the state. I look forward to working with this team and continuing to make the best better for our 4-H members.”
 
According to UT Extension Dean Robert Burns, “Crowe’s deep understanding and appreciation for Tennessee 4-H as well as his unfailing commitment to improving the program will enable him to provide the leadership needed to keep our Tennessee 4-H program strong as we move into the future.”

Crowe takes the helm from Dwight Loveday, who has served as interim 4-H director and statewide program leader since 2018.

The 4-H program in Tennessee is the largest in the country with a 4-H program in every county and more than 168,000 participants statewide. Tennessee 4-H encourages diverse groups of youth to develop their unique skills and talents to the fullest potential. Young people participate in 4-H through clubs, special interest groups, after-school programs, camps, and many other activities. “Learning by doing” through hands-on activities and community involvement empowers 4-H’ers to develop and strengthen life skills. To learn more about 4-H Youth Development in Tennessee, visit 4h.tennessee.edu.
 

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