Jan Hiller joined Iowa 4-H at age of 10. During 8 years as a member, she was a State 4-H Officer, a delegate to 1958 National 4-H Club Congress in Chicago and to 1959 National 4-H Conference in Washington, D.C. She was active in Iowa State University Collegiate 4-H Club, serving as president in 1961-62. After graduating from Iowa State she was Extension Home Economist in Madison and Boone Counties for 1 year each. In 1979 Jan joined the WSU Extension 4-H Youth Development staff to lead the Foods and Nutrition and Clothing and Textiles projects and statewide volunteer development. Under Jan’ leadership, Washington implemented an extensive volunteer management system that thrives today.
Dr. Hiller’ accomplishments include the development of the Washington State 4-H Council, the State 4-H Forum for youth and adult volunteers, and the State 4-H Advisory Board composed of adult and youth elected representatives. Through her leadership, Washington developed and implemented one of the nation’ first comprehensive volunteer screening systems. The focus of her work has been to create an empowered volunteer base to enhance and expand 4-H’ outreach to all young people. Her expertise and interest in volunteer management led Jan to form a team of volunteer management experts both within and outside academia that developed one of the first online volunteer training courses to provide University credit.
