Susan was active in 4-H before age 10. Her many projects included sewing, cooking, home improvement, rocketry, babysitting and entomology. Susan began her career as an Assistant Extension Advisor in Illinois in 1974. Three years later she became an Extension Youth Advisor. She moved to Purdue University in 1982 as an Extension 4-H Youth Development Specialist. At Purdue, she pursued her Ph.D. in Curriculum Design and Evaluation and eventually reached the rank of full professor. Susan is remembered for her efforts in curriculum development and program evaluation. She was a tireless advocate for the experiential learning model which has become a foundation in youth development work.
Susan was active in establishing the 4-H Cooperative Curriculum System (CCS). Her commitment to Extension and youth development was evident in her national service, including CYFAR and CYFERNet; National Science and Technology Network; NAE4-HA Board of Directors; National 4-H Strategic Directions Team; Children, Youth and Families Initiative Expansion Team; and National 4-H Impact Assessment Project Team. Susan authored and co-authored 75 educational publications and 53 reference papers and published proceedings, and she gave presentations in Switzerland, London, Alaska, Africa, Thailand and many other locations. NAE4-HA established the Susan Barkman Research and Evaluation Scholarship in her honor.
PA 4-H member in sewing, cooking, home improvement, rocketry, babysitting and entomology. Career included Assistant Extension Advisor and Extension Youth Advisor in Illinois and Extension 4-H Youth Development Specialist at Purdue. Active in 4-H CCS and CYFAR. Served as NAE4-HA Vice President for Research and Evaluation.
