In the 4th grade all of the students in his rural Oklahoma school joined 4-H so Charles did too, beginning his 9 years as a member. His first 4-H speech was on dandelions and his first animal exhibit was a trio of rabbits that promptly ate the champion ribbon off their cage! As an Extension agent, Charles quickly discovered there was a lot he didn’ know about 4-H even though it had helped him travel the country and helped finance his education. His goal was to make sure all of his 4-H educators, volunteers, and members knew of every opportunity available to them. Seeing others achieve through 4-H became the highlight of a 34-year career.
Charles helped establish the Oklahoma Cloverbud program, advised Collegiate 4-H, started the OCES internship program, provided leadership to the Ag in the Classroom and Tribal Youth Mentoring programs, and worked with thousands of members, volunteers, parents and supporters over his career. During the 18 years as State 4-H Leader, he had programmatic responsibilities and administrative duties; and, during the last 8 years he also taught academic courses in agricultural leadership. After retiring he also co-chaired the OCES Centennial Celebration. Charles and his wife, Natalie, have three grown daughters who were active in 4-H. He now enjoys helping his grandkids with 4-H projects.
