Cowboy Way: Marcy Luter is a hands-on leader

Thursday, May 14, 2020

Marcy Luter has always enjoyed “learning by doing.” From joining 4-H at the age of 9 to her work today as the leadership and management development coordinator at Meridian Technology Center, she’s a hands-on leader.

4-H’er For Life

The 4-H program has been a cornerstone throughout Luter’s life. A native of Shawnee, Oklahoma, raised by parents who were 4-H alumni, her involvement in the program was a given.

Still, she couldn’t have foreseen the impact it would have on her life.

“Our parents shuttled us all over the state, and we went on numerous out-of-state trips, too.” Luter said. “Our involvement was such a fantastic learning opportunity for us as kids.”

Going into high school, Marcy became even more involved in 4-H, discovering her passion for leadership and communication.

Cowboy Experience

Once Luter came to Oklahoma State in 2000, she leaned on her 4-H skills and became active in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. She was a college ambassador, helping steer other students toward career paths in agriculture as she pursued her own degree in agricultural communications. In 1999, she was inducted into the Oklahoma 4-H Hall of Fame.

After graduating, Luter went to work in OSU’s Career Services office, helping to develop training for OSU employees to help connect with today’s students.

In 2009, Luter became the leadership and management development coordinator at Meridian Technology.

“I didn’t have a formal background in training, but I was thrilled when I had the chance to join Meridian’s strong work culture,” Luter said. “I love the ‘learning by doing’ mission of 4-H. I am the type who needs to get my hands dirty to understand how something works.”

Home Grown

Luter and her husband, Ryan, operate a farm and enjoy sharing their love of agriculture with their two children.

“We have no expectation that they’ll come back to farm, but it’s critical that they understand how to work hard, move toward their goals and learn how to build strong relationships at every stage of their lives,” she said.

Today, Luter serves as a 4-H Cloverbud leader as she prepares her 10-year-old daughter and 8-year-old son for their 4-H experiences.