Whitney served as State 4-H Program Leader at the University of Rhode Island from 1974 to 2000. As a 4-H member, he was active in gardening and forestry projects and leadership at the local and county level. He received degree in Horticulture from the University of New Hampshire, Master’ degree in Cooperative Extension Education from Michigan State University and Doctorate in Adult Education from North Carolina State University. Whitney became a County 4-H Agent in Montgomery County, New York for 1964 to 1973.
As RI State 4-H Program Leader, Whitney also served as Executive Director of the Rhode Island 4-H Club Foundation. During this time, sources of support for 4-H increased and leadership developed. Volunteer development in 4-H was the focus with his dissertation topic – the satisfaction of 4-H volunteers with their jobs. Volunteers in the 4-H program became involved in management roles, expanding educational programs at times of decreasing staff numbers. Advisory committees were managed to give diverse volunteers a voice in program decisions.
4-H member with major projects in gardening, forestry and leadership. State 4-H Program Leader in RI from 1974-2000. Volunteer development was an important emphasis in his work.
