S. Dean Kiesling
Class Year: 2004
County: Shiawassee
Title: 4-H program leader, Michigan State University Extension
Bio:My 4-H experiences allowed me to be a part of something special that was not offered anywhere else. It allowed me to set goals and develop a process of ideas that moved me to a career choice. [It also gave] me the opportunity to be part of a group that was special in allowing experiences that were challenging and successful.
Since 1980, Dean Kiesling has dedicated his life to 4-H and positive youth development. He began his career as a 4-H program assistant, served as a 4-H agent and county Extension director, and is now the state 4-H program leader for animal science, club development, and awards and recognition. He served as president, vice president and treasurer of the Michigan Association of Extension 4-H Youth Staff. He has been recognized for his 4-H work by the Michigan and National Distinguished Service awards and received the 2003 MSU Extension John Hannah Award for outstanding Extension programming for his co-leadership of the Michigan 4-H Youth Conservation Council. He has also been instrumental in developing the current Michigan 4-H Cloverbud policy and program guidelines for 5- to 8-year-olds. Kiesling also served as a Shiawassee County 4-H volunteer leader for 10 years and Shiawassee County 4-H Council president for four years, and he is an active member of the Perry FFA Alumni Association. He has served on the Perry Public Schools Board of Education for eight years as member, treasurer and vice president. He is a Michigan 4-H Foundation donor and a Eucharistic minister at St. Pauls Catholic Church of Owosso.