Joy Jordan is nationally recognized as a leader in 4-H curriculum development. County programs nationwide have been directly impacted by the excellent materials developed and funded as result of the partnerships and collaborations that she created. Joy engaged in national initiatives including: the 4-H Professional Research and Knowledge Base (1984-87); a 1988 panel to establish a national agenda for research priorities; ES/USDA Taskforce (1988-91) developing the first national curriculum handbook and curriculum development standards; National 4-H Experiential Learning Design team (1993-96) creating the National 4-H curriculum criteria and jurying system; helping establish the NAE4-HA Research and Evaluation Committee and co-chaired the first evaluation pre-conference (2006).
Dr. Jordan conducted hundreds of staff training sessions at county, state, national and international settings, including 4-H 101 used currently in club development in 4-H and with military programs worldwide. She served on the 4-H 101 Military Training Team to teach the 4-H 101 curriculum at all Youth Centers on US military bases and Air Force installations in Europe. Most noteworthy among colleagues, Dr. Jordan is a mentor and supporter of faculty and volunteers. She always put others first, ahead of her career needs – she used her career to serve and develop others. It was not about professorship – it was about mentorship. Countless 4-H staff have benefited by her mentorship. Her assistance has resulted in advanced degrees, jobs, tenure and promotions for the staff/faculty served.
