AMARILLO – Brandon Dukes, Texas AgriLife Extension Service agent for Roberts County, has been named 4-H specialist for the agency’s District 1, headquartered in Amarillo, according to Chris Boleman, statewide 4-H and youth development program director.
4-H is the youth program of AgriLife Extension, and according to Danny Nusser, AgriLife Extension district director in Amarillo, Dukes will give leadership to a program that has been growing in recent years.
“Due to the efforts of Extension agents and leaders in the 22 counties that make up District 1, 4-H enrollment and participation has increased by 20 percent in the past two years,” Nusser said. “Quality educational programs provided to youth through 4-H continues to be a priority and emphasis for AgriLife Extension and its employees.”
Dukes will begin in his new position Oct. 1. He has served Roberts County as the agricultural and natural resources agent since 2002. A native of Allison, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma Panhandle State University and his master’s degree from West Texas A&M University..
“In a single agent county, Brandon has been committed to building the 4-H program in both 4-H agricultural and natural resources and 4-H family and consumer science project areas,” Boleman said. “He clearly has great vision and brings an innovative approach to the Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program. Just recently, the Youth Career Development Program was recognized nationwide.
“Brandon brings a can-do attitude to the job,” he said. “This will serve him well as he continues to lead and support the 4-H and Youth Development Program in the Texas Panhandle. I am so pleased to have Brandon join our team.”
Dukes has been recognized by the Texas County Agriculture Agents Association with their communications award, outstanding youth program award, team newsletter award and crop production award. In 2010, he received AgriLife Extension’s Superior Service Award in the County Extension Agent category.
“Brandon has demonstrated the ability to successfully lead and develop Extension educational programs while an agent in Roberts County,” Nusser said. “He was an exceptional professional in that role and I expect that he will utilize those same skills to assist the agents in District 1. I am very excited to see him take on this career challenge and look forward to working with him to continue and develop outstanding 4-H and youth development programs in the future.”
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