September 25-26, 2003

ITEM 120-2004-R0903   Authorization to Confer the Title of Professor Emeritus of 4-H Youth Development upon Terry L. Wolfe; Montana State University-Bozeman

THAT: Upon the occasion of the retirement of Terry L. Wolfe from the MSU Extension Service-State 4-H Office, the Board of Regents wishes to express its appreciation for his service to the University, the Montana University System, and the people of the state of Montana.

EXPLANATION: Terry Wolfe received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from Montana State University-Bozeman in Agriculture Education. Prior to the 13 years in the Extension ServiceBState 4-H Office, Terry served 14 years as Gallatin County Extension agent and four years as county Extension agent in Cascade County. During his 31 plus years with Montana State University, Terry has made significant contributions to Montana citizens through his educational outreach efforts.

Significant to Terry's distinguished career with the Montana State University Extension Service is the positive influence he has had in the lives of youth. He designed and implemented the Montana 4-H Ambassador program, which remains strong today. In the Ambassador program, there are five youth from across the state who are selected to be official envoys for the 4-H program. Many county 4-H programs have adopted the model at the local level, so several hundred young Ambassadors have the opportunity to learn and sharpen their leadership and communication skills. Because of the success of the Montana 4-H Ambassador program, it has been replicated by other states in our region.

Terry was instrumental in bringing the concept of involving youth in resource roles to Montana 4-H. He modeled the idea by creating a Leadership Team while at the county level. During his tenure as Collegiate 4-H Advisor, members went to counties to teach workshops and conduct clinics for younger 4-H'ers. The MSU Club received recognition for being the National 4-H Club of the Year.

Terry was the first Montana county agent to involve volunteer 4-H leaders in a formalized middle management system. He designed the concept so youth and adults alike could learn new information while developing new skills. Now, the notion of middle management is widely accepted as a way of doing business within the 4-H program.

Most recently, Terry has served as the Executive Director for the Montana 4-H Foundation and turned his talents toward raising private funds that support programs benefitting youth. During this time, he served on several national task forces, focused on such issues as changing the culture of fund development within the 4-H program and involving youth in philanthropic endeavors. In Montana, he introduced annual fund raising campaigns such as the phonathon and the calendar sales in addition to continual efforts in planned giving and other fund raising ventures. Because of his efforts, numerous Montana 4-H members have been involved at the national level.

For these reasons, the Board of Regents of Higher Education is pleased to confer upon Terry Wolfe the status of Professor Emeritus of 4-H Youth Development at Montana State University-Bozeman and thanks him for his years of outstanding service to Montana.