Errol Burns started and finished his Extension and 4-H career in Utah, sandwiched around many distinguished years in Kansas and Illinois Extension programs. He was recently inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame for his lifetime achievements and contributions to 4-H. “The National Association of Extension 4-H Agents is proud to acknowledge the outstanding 2014 National 4-H Hall of Fame honorees for the passion, dedication, vision and leadership they’ve shown toward our young people during their many years of service to 4-H,” said Pam Van Horn, president, NAE4-HA.
Strangely enough, Burns was never a 4-Her in his youth but because of his deep personal convictions, he dedicated his professional life and energy to the 4-H youth development program for almost 30 years. After graduating from Brigham Young University, he began his work with 4-H as a Utah State University Extension agent in Utah County and was involved with in-school agricultural programs. Soon after, he transferred to Salt Lake County where he worked to strengthen USU Extension 4-H’s urban youth and livestock programs.
“My philosophy on working with volunteers was not to do things for them that they could do themselves,” Burns said. “If you do too much for volunteers, they never get a feeling of accomplishment.”
His expertise and commitment equipped him next to take the role of Kansas State 4-H specialist, where he trained and supported Extension agents and volunteers in 22 counties. In this role, he mentored and modeled leadership skills for his colleagues. From there he took a similar position in Illinois where he trained volunteers to work with low-income and minority youth.
“When you look for volunteers, always try to find those who also have their children involved; this gives them more of a commitment, and they don’t want to let their own kids down.” Burns said. “Of course we always looked for dependable volunteers, but that wasn’t always so easy to find out ahead of time.”
Burns served as National Association of Extension 4-H Agents Western Region director, treasurer, vice president, president-elect, president in 1987, and past president and nominating chair. Accomplishments during his tenure include the creation of the Achievement in Service Award, establishment of a Life Member Taskforce and establishment of the “Professional Forum” to improve relations with Extension, USDA and university administrators. He has been retired in Vernal, Utah, since 1997.
By: Dennis Hinkamp - Nov. 6, 2014