Arthur named new director of the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation

Friday, July 1, 2016

Blayne Arthur is back on the Oklahoma State University campus, only this time she is not carrying a backpack and rushing to get to her next class.

An OSU graduate with a degree in agricultural economics, Arthur recently returned to OSU to take on the role of executive director of the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation.

Growing up as a 4-H’er in Grady County, Arthur said she is excited to once again be a part of the Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development program.

“I’m excited to be a part of the Foundation and I see a lot of potential for the 4-H program,” Arthur said. “I’m looking forward to engaging with the county offices and club members and hearing about their ideas. Increasing awareness for both the Foundation and 4-H, as well as looking for ways to increase financial support for the 4-H program are some of my goals.”

One way she plans to accomplish these goals is by meeting directly with donors and having some of the Oklahoma 4-H Ambassadors tell their stories to donors.

“Donors need to hear firsthand how 4-H has influenced the lives of these youth,” she said. “This will help us foster existing relationships and help build new connections.”

Before returning to OSU, Arthur worked for the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry and later served as deputy commissioner for Secretary of Agriculture Jim Reese and worked with agricultural commodity groups to develop policy.

She said having worked with these commodity groups will hopefully help her increase the awareness of 4-H and the positive impact the organization has on Oklahoma youth.

“I hope to get those individuals not as familiar with 4-H more interested in supporting the organization,” she said.

The Oklahoma 4-H Foundation began in 1961 when a friend of 4-H wanted to remember the Oklahoma 4-H clubs in his will. The Foundation has been doing great work ever since and thousands of Oklahoma youth have benefitted from the educational scholarship the Foundation provides.

Each year during State 4-H Roundup, more than $100,000 is awarded to state record book winners and scholarship applicants.

For more than half a century, the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation has continually provided educational scholarships to club members. However, thanks to the new Rule of Law fund, some new travel scholarships also are available to 4-H’ers to assist with expenses to attend events such as Citizenship Washington Focus.

“The trips 4-H’ers can take provide club members with a great opportunity to expand their knowledge, all while seeing different parts of the country,” Arthur said. “We’re excited to be able to start offering these travel scholarships in addition to the educational scholarships.”

Just this year, 15 Oklahoma 4-H’ers have been awarded a total of $6,400 to help pay for expenses associated with participating in a 4-H trip such as Citizenship Washington Focus, Denver National Roundup, National 4-H Congress and 4-H Outdoor Adventure.

“Thanks to the work of Foundation board member Terry Stowers, Rule of Law funds will be available for many years to come to assist 4-H members as they pursue activities across the nation and strive for excellence,” she said.

The Foundation, which functions as the primary vehicle for private fund development to support programs, scholarships, awards and activities, also helps increase public awareness of the many benefits of 4-H as a whole.

There are many different ways in which the public can support the Foundation. For more information about how you can support Oklahoma’s youth, please contact Arthur at 405-744-8884 or email at blayne.arthur@okstate.edu.

“I’m very excited to be part of such a wonderful youth-development organization and I’m looking forward to meeting those who have so generously supported the Foundation and establishing new relationships as well,” she said.