Betsy McPherson Knox
Class Year: 2014
County: Kent
Title: Retired 4-H Youth Development Program Leader, Michigan State University Extension
Bio:4-H gave me the sense that I could do anything if I formulated a commitment, saw a vision and worked hard enough at it. Because of 4-H, I felt confident and optimistic about life. Ive always felt a sense of purpose in the world. I hope that I have honored that with the work that I have done as an educator in the classroom as a 4-H professional with both young people and adults.
Betsy McPherson Knox served as an Ionia County MSU Extension home economics educator and 4-H youth agent before moving to campus as an associate program leader and then program leader until retiring in 2013. She wrote, developed and used a variety of curricula for the performing and visual arts, and the promotion of global, cultural and international understanding. She has also worked in the area of 4-H environmental and outdoor education and more recently in leadership and civic engagement. She received recognition on numerous occasions including the John A. Hannah Award for Excellence for leading the Chengdu China Dance Troupe Project. In retirement, Knox continues to volunteer for 4-H. She serves as adjunct curator of the MSU Museum updating the Michigan 4-H History Project Collection, coordinates 4-H Exploration Days sessions, and serves on the 4-H Backpack to Adventure curriculum implementation, training and evaluation team. Additionally, Knox serves as a Fabulous African Fabrics board member and secretary, volunteers for the Michigan Great Lakes Folk Festival and served eight years on the East Lansing Film Festival board.