In The News Richard W. Clark, Ph.D., was named Interim Assistant Dean and Director for University of Illinois Extension “Richard has the right mix of skills and experience to lead Illinois 4-H Youth Development and to help determine the future direction of the program,” said Dennis R. Campion, Associate Dean for Extension and Outreach. “I look forward to working with Richard in this new role.” Dr. Clark has been involved with Extension and 4-H work since 1976. Prior to joining ACES, Clark was Assistant Director, Professor and Chair for the Department of 4-H Youth Development for Rutgers Cooperative Extension in New Jersey. Clark has also been involved with 4-H responsibilities for The Ohio State University, The Pennsylvania State University, and the Virginia Extension Service. “I’m excited to join Illinois 4-H. It is a wonderful opportunity to move back to my roots of educational programming for youth and families,” Clark said. “We have a talented staff of 4-H Youth Development professionals and volunteers in Illinois. There will be a number of opportunities for input and dialogue in the near future as we analyze what’s working, what’s not and make changes as necessary to move forward.” Dr. Clark has identified some priorities for his interim term. “I want the 4-H Youth Development program to earn a reputation with Illinois families. A reputation that recognizes 4-H as the program of choice for consistent, quality youth education that is locally delivered by highly trained professionals and volunteers,” Clark explained. “The program also needs to make sure that it is fun and has educational components that are consistent with current research.” Dr. Pennie Crinion served as Interim Assistant Dean and Director for U of I Extension 4-H Youth Development since 2003. She leaves to become Director of Program Planning and Evaluation for U of I Extension. 4-H is the largest out-of-school educational program for youth in the United States. 4-H seeks to assist youth in acquiring knowledge, forming attitudes, and developing life skills that will enable them to become caring, competent, and contributing members of society. In Illinois more than 280,000 youth participate in 4-H and the other youth programs of University of Illinois Extension. More than 25,000 youth and adult volunteers assist in the programming. For more information about 4-H in Illinois, visit: http://www.4-H.uiuc.edu. ### Editor’s Note: A high resolution photo is available at: http://w3.aces.uiuc.edu/itcs/photo/media/richardclark/ Source: Natalie Bosecker, Illinois State 4-H Office, 217-333-0910 posted 01.02.07 Editor’s Note: This press release may be downloaded as a PDF.
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