URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H program is celebrating a new era of statewide impact with the announcement of Kevin Carey, Ed.D., as its new assistant dean and program leader for 4-H. Carey hails from Grundy County, Ill., where he grew up in a farming family and was an 11-year 4-H member, epitomizing the program's long-standing role in developing the future leaders of the state that are “Beyond Ready” to impact the world.
Illinois Extension Associate Dean and Director, Matthew Vann, noted that, “Kevin’s lifelong commitment to empowering youth, his alignment with Extension’s core values, and his service-minded leadership style have uniquely prepared him for this role. We know that positive investment in young people through 4-H programs enhances their well-being and achievement as well as the prosperity and success of our state. We’re pleased to have Kevin at the helm in this new chapter.”
Head, Heart, Hands, and Health
Illinois Extension 4-H programs are part of the national 4-H network, which is funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and partners land-grant universities like University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with locally responsive youth development clubs. 4-H programs are delivered statewide through over 1,800 clubs with over 20,000 members and reflect traditional and emerging skill-building needs with topics and special interest groups ranging from animal science, healthy living, and public speaking to financial literacy, robotics, and computer science. The 260,000+ annual 4-H experiences delivered statewide align with Extension’s priorities to expand economic vitality and positive youth development for all communities across the state.
Experience and Commitment
Carey has been serving as the interim in this role since March of 2024, when former assistant dean and program leader Lisa Diaz became the director for the National 4-H Work Readiness Initiative. Prior to that, he served as the senior program lead for 4-H positive youth development programs at the state level. His professional background comprises roles in higher education and student affairs, including 10 years focused on student engagement, retention, and success at Ball State University, Wittenberg University, and Illinois Wesleyan University. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Illinois Wesleyan University, a Master of Arts in student affairs administration in higher education from Ball State University, and a doctoral degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in educational policy, organization, and leadership with a focus on diversity and equity in education. In addition to his professional roles, Carey has continued to serve in volunteer and advocacy roles with 4-H as a 13-year member of the Illinois 4-H Foundation and local/national volunteer for Sigma Pi Fraternity, International.
Of his commitment to Illinois 4-H, Carey shared, “Each day, I’m inspired by the passion of our 4-H youth, the commitment of our volunteers, the support of our families, and the dedication of our staff who deliver Beyond Ready experiences across Illinois. Serving in this role reminds me to stay centered in the 4-H mission and Extension values while uplifting the College of ACES and the university. Together, we will listen, learn, and grow as we continue to make a lasting impact.”
WRITER/CONTACT: Bridget Lee-Calfas, Director of Marketing and Communications, University of Illinois Extension, 217-333-6282, bklee@illinois.edu
About Illinois 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension and administered through the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. 4-H grows true leaders, youth who are empowered for life today and prepared for a career tomorrow. The hands-on approach in 4-H gives young people guidance, tools, and encouragement, and then puts them in the driver’s seat to make great things happen. Independent research confirms the unparalleled impact of the 4-H experience, demonstrating that young people are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.