Carleton P. “C.P.” Dorsey dedicated his life to 4-H by providing more than 38 years of leadership and service to the West Virginia (W.Va.) 4-H Youth Development Program. He began his W.Va. University Extension career as a County Assistant Agricultural Agent. For 25 years he served in administrative roles as the Assistant State 4-H and State 4-H Leader.
Under his leadership, W.Va. moved from scattered camp sites to 36 permanent county camps and one state camp, Jackson’s Mill. The W.Va. camping curriculum was expanded to emphasize such educational areas as science, music, careers, recreation, conservation, and guided discussion for older youths.
The establishment and expansion of county and state 4-H foundations are also attributed to C.P.’s leadership. Increased scholarships allowed more 4-H members and leaders to attend camps, conferences, and other educational programs. He helped establish the West Virginia 4-H Club Foundation.
The expansion of 4-H project curriculum was another dimension of C.P.’s leadership. At that time, 4-H membership was changing from an entirely farm-oriented program to about a 70 percent non-farm enrollment. Although the state population was declining, 4-H enrollment increased by 20 percent.
Mr. Dorsey served on numerous state and national committees, including the 4-H Subcommittee of the National Extension Committee on Organization and Policy. He also served as president of several Extension organizations such as the W.Va. County Agricultural Agents, the W.Va. Agricultural Extension Workers Association, Extension Credit Union, and Epsilon Sigma Phi. He received an Honorary State Farmer Degree from the W.Va. FFA Association.
