Samantha Gaither

Samantha Gaither is the 4-H youth development educator for Edwards, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash, and Wayne Counties. She joined Extension in 2012 as the Crawford County 4-H program coordinator before transferring to Lawrence County and ultimately her current role in 2022. As the 4-H Educator, Sam ensures that the 4-H programs are meeting the needs of the youth within the five-county unit while spearheading new initiatives.

She earned her bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, majoring in agriculture systems and minoring in agribusiness and animal science. Her master’s degree is in agriculture education from the University of Illinois. 

Her favorite local 4-H program is the No Limits Livestock Show, an all-inclusive swine show where youth 4-H swine exhibitors and individuals with disabilities team up to show a pig. It’s an excellent opportunity for the youth who participate to not only learn but also build relationships, whether that be with an animal or a new friend.