Dr. George Foster served as an Extension Agent in Washington Co. (1945-47), state Assistant 4-H Specialist (1948-51), USDA Associate National Leader for Southeastern States (1951-56), and Tennessee 4-H Club Professor and State 4-H Leader (1956-1981). Under his leadership, TN 4-H club youth enrollments became highest in the nation, a comprehensive grade-level 4-H curriculum was developed and the Tennessee Assn. of 4-H Workers was organized. Foster received a national 4-H fellowship in 1947, during which he completed a dissertation, ” Evaluation of Supervision of Volunteer Leaders in Tennessee 4-H Club Work.” At USDA, he chaired the national awards winners selection committee.
Foster initiated a number of firsts: at USDA he co-chaired the first program with the American Camping Association for Extension workers in camping, in Tennessee he supported the first state 4-H alumni organization and funds were secured to employ the first full-time Tennessee 4-H Foundation worker. He created the ” in Depth” leader training program, one of the first in-depth 4-H leader training programs resulting in thousands of 4-H volunteer leaders being recruited and trained. Foster taught at several regional Extension summer courses and the American Farm Bureau Rural Youth School. When he retired, Foster had the longest tenure of any active state 4-H program leader.
