Following a nationwide candidate search, Brent Clark has been named program director of the West Virginia University Extension Service 4-H Youth Development program, effective July 1.
Since Oct. 2015, Clark has served as interim program director for the unit, where he played an integral role in the execution of State 4-H Day and implementation of multiple 4-H camps and projects across the state.
“I am honored to have been given the opportunity to continue strengthening the West Virginia 4-H program – as a lifelong 4-H’er, it is my passion,” said Clark. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the impression of West Virginia 4-H in my life, and I look forward to continue working with our hardworking faculty and staff to enhance programming for youths and families across the state.”
A native of Princeton, West Virginia, Clark’s professional journey with West Virginia 4-H began in 2001 when he was appointed as program assistant in Mercer County, and then moved on to serve as program coordinator in Fayette County. Clark later served as a 4-H agent in Harrison County for nearly eight years.
Clark already has experience as a member of the WVU Extension Service administrative team, serving for three years as the Director of Development.
According to WVU Extension Service Dean Steve Bonanno, Clark’s 14 years of experience in Extension programming and vast involvement as a 4-H volunteer provides a solid foundation for the unit to continue growing in the right direction.
“Our statewide 4-H program unit is committed to providing youths in West Virginia the opportunity to learn and grow through our programs, camps, service projects, educational trips and more,” said Bonanno. “Brent’s experience has equipped him with a vast understanding of this mission and I look forward to seeing West Virginia 4-H programming continue to flourish under his leadership.”
Throughout his decades of experience in 4-H, Clark has pioneered multiple 4-H clubs, served as a mentor for new 4-H faculty members and has traveled to all 55 counties to form valuable relationships within the 4-H community.
Clark is quick to shift the focus to a team perspective when it comes to discussing the program’s success and growth.
“Everything we do and have accomplished is truly a team effort,” he said. “This is what I’m most excited about—coming together as a 4-H family to find new ways to reach youths, provide them opportunities to become leaders within their communities and build off of the strong foundation we’ve constructed as a team.”
Clark received a bachelor’s degree in sports medicine from Bluefield College and earned a master’s degree in strategic leadership from Mountain State University.
For more than a century, 4-H has focused on agricultural science, electricity, mechanics, entrepreneurship and natural sciences. Today, 4-H out-of-school opportunities also exist in subjects like rocketry, robotics, biofuels, renewable energy and computer science.
To learn more about new opportunities in the 4-H program, visit www.ext.wvu.edu, or contact your local office of the WVU Extension Service.
-WVU-
bd/06/10/16
CONTACT: Brittany Dick, WVU Extension Service
304.293.8701, Brittany.Dick@mail.wvu.edu
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