Betty first went to club meetings with her older sister, became a 4-H member herself, a college 4-H’er, and then chose a career in the Extension Service. Betty did her student teaching in a junior high school which left her saying 34there must be a better way to make a living than this” She applied to the Montana Extension service and was hired as a County Extension Agent. Surprise! Those same junior high kids were so much fun to have involved in 4-H. After completing her Master’s degree, she was hired as a State 4-H Specialist where the art of working with volunteers became her central focus. Believing volunteers can do any assignment if given the necessary tools, she helped salaried staff develop skills to work effectively with volunteers.
Betty’s next goal was to involve youth as resources in the program. As State 4-H Program Leader, She worked to provide an atmosphere in which staff, volunteers and youth formed active partnerships. Also, under her leadership, the 4-H Center for Youth Development was established at Montana State University. Lastly, her passion for international experiences resulted from being an IFYE delegate to Venezuela. She believes it is especially important for youth and families from rural states such as Montana to have ways to broaden their thinking and experiences so 4-H continues to maintain its rich history of offering international opportunities to youth, families, and extension staff.
