Julie Chapin, Ph.D., an Ottawa County 4-H alumna and 4-H Emerald Clover Society member, has dedicated four decades to the positive development of young people through MSU Extension and 4-H. Her storied 4-H career has included roles at the county, departmental, and state levels—and Chapin’s contributions and support of Michigan 4-H have had profound impacts.
Chapin began her professional career at MSU Extension in 1981 as a 4-H youth agent. She later became a youth animal science specialist before serving as state 4-H program leader for volunteer development. In 2010, she became the first director of MSU Extension’s Children and Youth Institute, or CYI, and also served as Michigan’s state 4-H leader and secretary of the Michigan 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees. She remained in this role until she retired in 2018.
In 2022, Chapin returned from retirement to again serve as director of CYI and state 4-H leader. Her strong vision, leadership, and passion for the Michigan 4-H Youth Development program allowed CYI and MSU Extension to rebuild, improve, and expand children and youth programs. Chapin stepped back into a leadership advisory role in January 2024 and returned to retirement in June.
Since 2022, Chapin has also served as chair of the Michigan 4-H Foundation’s resource development committee, which recommends fundraising strategies and provides direction, assistance, action, and guidance to engage the board in fundraising efforts. She has been honored for her Extension service with the Michigan and National 4-H Distinguished Service Awards. She has also been recognized nationally for her leadership in programs dedicated to expanding youth opportunities to explore science, technology, and literacy.
Chapin has been a long-time supporter of the Michigan 4-H Foundation. In 2014, she and her husband, Larry, joined nine other couples as members of the 4-H Leadership 10. This group served as leadership supporters and public advocates for the Campaign for Michigan 4-H’s Future. The Chapins donated to and encouraged others to help build the Ionia County 4-H Endowment. They also created the Julie A. and Larry T. Chapin Endowment Fund, which provides unrestricted support for Michigan 4-H with priority for helping with costs for youth participating in 4-H programs, for volunteer training, and for staff professional development. They have been recognized as Michigan 4-H Foundation Cornerstone Society members for their lifetime giving to 4-H.
This Citation Award celebrates Julie Chapin’s four decades of dedication and commitment to positive youth development work for and with Michigan 4-H. She has made Michigan 4-H an ongoing priority through her work, advocacy, and personal support. She has invested professional and personal time, wealth, and resources to ensure that Michigan 4-H is well-positioned to help Michigan’s young people learn, grow, and succeed in the future.
