Fall 2022
Millenbah appointed MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources dean
The Michigan State University (MSU) Board of Trustees approved Kelly F. Millenbah, Ph.D., as dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) on Oct. 28. Millenbah served as interim dean since July 1, 2021. The CANR dean is a Michigan 4-H Foundation trustee, ex-officio.
MSU Extension names CYI associate interim directors
Effective July 1, Lisa Bottomley and Jodi Schulz were named interim MSU Extension Children and Youth Institute (CYI) associate institute directors. In addition, Schulz serves as the interim associate state leader for Michigan 4-H Youth Development. Together, with Institute Director and 4-H State Leader Julie Chapin, they make up the CYI leadership team.
Spring 2022
MSU Extension Children and Youth Institute leadership changes
Julie Chapin, Ph.D., returned to MSU Extension as director of the Children and Youth Institute (CYI) on June 1. Chapin has served as a Michigan 4-H Foundation trustee since 2010 and will continue her trustee service. Chapin retired in 2018 after a 36-year career with MSU Extension where she served in multiple roles from an educator and program leader to becoming the first director of CYI when institutes were first established. Her strong vision, leadership and passion for the 4-H Youth Development program make this an ideal opportunity for CYI and MSU Extension. Chapin replaces Erica Tobe, Ph.D., as CYI director who recently stepped down to take a six month study leave.
Effective July 1, Jacob DeDecker, Ph.D., will step down as associate director of CYI and state 4-H leader to assume a new role with the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources at the University of Nevada, Reno, as director of Extension and associate dean for engagement. Drs. Quentin Tyler and Julie Chapin will work on a plan for an interim state 4-H leader and a search for a permanent associate director for the Children and Youth Institute.
Fall 2021
Horstman assumes 4-H development responsibilities
Carrie Horstman has assumed the 4-H development officer role in addition to continuing as assistant director of development with the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, a role she has held since 2018. A 4-H alumna from Clinton County, Horstman is excited to work with others who share her passion for 4-H and youth development. Horstman is responsible for donor relations and special and major fund development on behalf of the Michigan 4-H Foundation and MSU. She holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational communication from MSU and is pursuing a master’s degree in strategic communications. She can be reached by email at greenca5@msu.edu or by phone at 517-353-7075.
Spring/Summer 2021
Millenbah recommended as CANR interim dean
Kelly F. Millenbah, Ph.D., has been recommended as interim dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR), effective July 1, 2021, pending MSU Board of Trustees approval. Millenbah currently serves as CANR senior associate dean, a position she will retain during her assignment as interim dean. She will replace Ronald L. Hendrick, Ph.D., who was named provost and vice president of academic affairs at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, a post he begins serving July 1.
Tyler appointed MSU Extension director
On May 1, Quentin R. Tyler, Ph.D., CANR associate dean for diversity, equity and inclusion, became interim director of MSU Extension and was subsequently named director of MSU Extension later the same month. Tyler replaces Patrick Cudney who served as acting director after Jeff Dwyer, Ph.D., stepped down as director of MSU Extension for a sabbatical. Both the MSU Extension director and CANR dean represent permanent trustee positions on the Michigan 4-H Foundation board of trustees. As such, Tyler, and soon Millenbah, will hold these trustee positions on the board.
Johnson named associate director of MSU Extension’s children and youth initiatives
Brian Johnson, Ph.D., J.D., was named associate director of the MSU Extension Children and Youth Institute (CYI) effective Feb. 1. Johnson works alongside Erica Tobe, CYI director, and Jacob DeDecker, who also serves as CYI associate director and Michigan 4-H state leader. Johnson provides leadership in reaching underserved populations and expanding programs. He was chosen for the position after a search that highlighted his leadership in diversity, equity and inclusion practices and approaches.
MSU Extension development staff transitions
On Feb. 1, Amanda Masters, assistant director of development for 4-H, transitioned to the role of associate director of development for the MSU College of Education. In addition, Bridget Paff, MSU Extension development director, retired Dec. 5. MSU Extension is in discussions with college leadership and University Advancement to determine next steps for these MSU Extension development positions. In the interim, Tami Baumann, CANR senior director of development, serves as the point person for MSU Extension and 4-H philanthropy.