Dr. Steve Mullen’ long Extension career included positions as a county agent in MA, state volunteer specialist, ten years as a National Program Leader with USDA, and State 4-H Program Leader and Regional Extension Director in Louisiana. As a National Program Leader, he kept youth in the forefront of all programs and decisions through his involvement in issues and consulting of internal and external experts in youth development and volunteerism. He led a system-wide effort on building collaborations, including a Youth-At-Risk Program and a National Center for Excellence on Collaboration that involved extension specialists from around the country. He guided grantees in goal development, financial accounting, and program impact.
Dr. Mullen was part of the multi-million dollar Kellogg project Community CARES, from which came the TAXI Volunteer Management Curriculum. TAXI was seen as the standard bearer for volunteer middle management training in volunteerism for over two decades. Dr. Mullen is most proud of the T-3 curriculum (Training Volunteers to Train Other Volunteers How to Teach Youth). The team did extensive research to assure agents and volunteers would become more effective and dynamic teachers. Dr. Mullen saw the value of involving others for their expertise and experience and their commitment and investment in a program. His passion for volunteerism was undergirded by his willingness to do the work necessary to bring volunteerism to the forefront.
Was a Massachusetts 4-H member. In 1967, was selected a Mass. delegate to National 4-H Conference, where delegates voted to add, ” my world” to the 4-H pledge. Selected as 1 of 3 delegates to represent 4-H at Lady Bird Johnson’ National Conference on Natural Beauty & Conservation. Chosen as Ohio State Collegiate 4-H Club advisor. His greatest honors came from letters, phone calls, and visits from members, volunteers and other Extension staff who shared how the curriculum and/or training they received positively impacted their ability to serve and support 4-H youth.
