Martha Couch was raised on a dry-land cotton farm in Big Spring, TX. She joined a community 4-H club in Howard County in the 1950′. As she grew in 4-H, she realized the positive effects 4-H was having on her and her family. She was an accomplished youth leader and award winner in 4-H, including a trip to National 4-H Congress, the Texas 4-H Gold Star Award (highest award in Texas 4-H), and many trips and opportunities at district and state levels. Martha obtained her B.S. degree in Home Economics in 1972, a M.S. degree in Family Studies in 1976, and a Ph.D. of Home Economics in 1980, all from Texas Tech University. Her research focused on the importance of leadership skill development for 4-H youth and volunteers.
Martha began a thirty-six-year career in 1972 as a County Extension Agent-Home Economics in Gaines County. She followed her calling in 4-H and youth development as Extension 4-H and Youth Development Specialist for the panhandle districts, District Extension Administrator and ultimately Associate Director for 4-H and Youth Development from 1997 to 2008. Under her leadership, the Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program reached over one million members. She instituted Youth Protection Standards, created a Character Education Program that reached 100,000 youth annually and established county youth boards to gain quality input from youth. After retirement, Martha still provides human and financial support to Texas 4-H.
