Karen Hinton
Courtesy Photo
Karen Hinton, dean and director emeritus of University of Nevada, Reno Extension, and current Carson City resident, was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame last month.
Nominated by UNR and the Nevada 4-H Youth Development Program, Hinton was one of 20 people inducted during a ceremony in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 12.
“It is a distinct honor to be chosen as a part of the 4-H Hall of Fame Class of 2021 and to see how individual laureates have significantly impacted youth across the country,” Hinton said in a statement. “Through their dedication and tireless effort, countless youth from diverse backgrounds, both rural and urban, have learned skills through 4-H that prepare them to navigate life and become productive citizens.”
As a youth, Hinton was a 4-H member in Happy, Texas, where she lived on a 1,280-acre farm. She began her Extension career in 1981, and spent the next 31 years working for UNR Extension, first as an Extension home economist in Douglas County, and then as an Extension educator in Carson City, according to an Oct. 22 press release.
She eventually took on the role of western area director, overseeing all Extension programs and operations for Washoe, Douglas and Storey counties, and Carson City. In 1998, she became the dean and director of Extension, overseeing all Extension operations, statewide. She retired in 2012, after serving as UNR’s longest-serving female dean.
Hinton was an active member of, and at times served in leadership roles for, many national and regional associations during her career, including NAE4-HYDP, National Extension Family and Consumer Sciences, National Association County Agricultural Agents, Extension Committee on Organization and Policy, Western Extension Directors Association.
In retirement, Hinton continues to be an avid supporter of 4-H and Extension. She currently serves on the fund development committee for the Nevada State 4-H Camp.
