The University of Wyoming Extension has appointed three educators to vital leadership positions. Natrona County educator Joddee Jacobsen is the new community vitality and health program leader and Hot Springs County educator Barton Stam is the program leader for the agriculture and natural resources team. Finally, Samantha Krieger is now the 4-H youth development program leader.
Krieger is filling a recently vacated full-time role in the state 4-H program, while the CVH and ANR positions are newly created part-time commitments that complement educators’ current responsibilities. All three positions are designed to provide leadership to UW Extension focus areas, which will elevate programming quality.
“Our program leaders are accomplished educators in extension who will help teams develop, deliver, and evaluate quality programs,” says Mandy Marney, director of UW Extension. “[These positions] will help people find ways to work together within that team and across teams, in addition to county and area-focused programming.”
As program leaders collaborate with other members of the administrative team to develop evaluation tools in all focus areas, educators will be equipped with better tools to assess which programs are most impactful in their individual counties.
CVH Educator Creates New Programs
Joddee Jacobsen, the new community vitality and health (CVH) program leader, has served UW Extension for over five years, beginning as the Natrona County 4-H educator and taking on a role as a CVH educator in 2022.
Jacobsen has helped develop several innovative programs during her time as a CVH educator, including the Food, Fun, 4-H Program and Wyoming Walks. Both initiatives aim to help people find new ways to engage with their families and their communities.
As program leader, Jacobsen looks forward to continuing to develop activities that respond to the current challenges and opportunities Wyoming citizens are experiencing. She also hopes to “support current stakeholders while actively engaging new stakeholders to enhance and expand Extension programming throughout the state.”
Long-time ANR Educator Supports Teamwork
Barton Stam, the new agriculture and natural resources (ANR) program leader, has served UW Extension for more than two decades. His leadership experience within UW Extension includes acting as an elected chair of the range initiative team. He also co-founded UW Extension’s annual Ranch Camp, a weeklong program that provides eligible applicants over the age of 18 with practical ranch management experience.
Stam is excited to see the ANR team almost fully staffed. “Our newer hires have a broad range of expertise, skills, and experience,” he says. “I see the UWE ANR team as well positioned to meet the needs of our traditional clientele and address emerging issues.”
4-H Educator Builds Community
Samantha Krieger, who previously served as a 4-H educator in Uinta County, is the new 4-H youth development program leader.
Krieger is passionate about how 4-H can help both youth and their communities. She envisions Wyoming 4-H as a “thriving community where youth are empowered to reach their full potential.”
As the Uinta County 4-H educator, Krieger conducted a comprehensive needs assessment for Uinta County, enabling her to recruit 71 new 4-H members, 20 new adult volunteers, and 43 new families. Krieger partnered with Uinta County community organizations to introduce STEM-based 4-H programming, in addition to running traditional 4-H program activities, like camps, clinics, contests, and fairs.
In her new role, Krieger is excited to continue building a strong support system for youth and educators throughout the state.
Jacobsen and Stam assumed their new responsibilities on Aug. 1; Krieger started her new role Sept. 3.
More information about UW Extension programming can be found at www.uwyo.edu/uwe.
