Board Resource Development Chair, 2020-present
Retired State 4-H Leader & Director, MSU Extension Children & Youth Institute
Portland, Mich.
Chapin has served as a Michigan 4-H Foundation trustee since 2010 and was board secretary from 2010
until her retirement in 2018. She became secretary of the board upon her return as state 4-H leader and
director for the MSU Extension Institute for Children and Youth effective June 1, 2022. In 1981, she began
her career as an MSU Extension 4-H youth agent, served as the youth animal science specialist, state
4-H program leader for volunteer development before becoming institute director. She is recognized
nationally for her leadership in convening and directing the National Center for Action in Science and
Technology and the National Network for Science and Technology, both dedicated to expanding youth
opportunities to explore science and technology through formal and nonformal learning opportunities.
She helped launch the 4-H Club Read youth literacy initiative in response to Michigan’s commitment to
have every child reading by grade 3 and expanded 4-H Mentoring Programs statewide through engagement of AmeriCorps members in counties across the state. She has been honored for her Extension service with both the Michigan and National Distinguished Service Awards, as well as the Michigan Outstanding Service to Extension and Michigan 4-H Citation awards. She is an Ottawa County 4-H alumna and 4-H Emerald Clover Society member. Chapin holds three degrees from Michigan State University: a bachelor’s degree in dairy science, a master’s degree in Extension education, and a doctorate in higher, adult and lifelong education.