Ben Powell is a native of Wilson County, TN. He received Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from the University of Tennessee in animal husbandry. As an undergraduate, Powell was active in Ag. Club, Block and Bridle Club, Alpha Zeta, and Omicron Delta Kappa. He started with Extension as an assistant county agent in Rutherford County in 1959, was appointed as a 4-H specialist in 1969 and became State 4-H Leader in 1981. He retired in 1997 with 38 years in the Extension Service. While State 4-H Leader, Tennessee was recognized as the top state in the number of national 4-H project winners.
He designed the 4-H curriculum package that is still used by Tennessee 4-H members. Under his leadership, many new programs, including 4-H academic conference, D.A.R.T., 4-H Wildlife Conference, and 4-H Sheep Conference, were developed. He was respected nationally by his peers and often served in National leadership roles. Thousands of Tennessee 4-H’ developed decision making skills through Powell’ 4-H judging programs. He is respected for his work with 4-H livestock projects and for his focus on life skill development of youth.
