Purdue News

January 28, 2000 Head of 4-H moves on, interim leadership named WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Linda Chezem, professor and head of the Department of 4-H Youth Development at Purdue University, is leaving her post effective February 1. Janet Gordon, Extension central district director, will provide interim leadership for 4-H by overseeing the day-to-day operations of the department and the statewide 4-H program. Chezem, a former Indiana Court of Appeals judge, headed the state's 4-H program for two years. The decision to leave was made earlier, but Chezem stayed on until an interim replacement could be named, said Victor Lechtenberg, dean of Purdue Agriculture. She is stepping down to continue her work on youth development and other issues, maintaining a relationship with 4-H. "I'm especially pleased that she can continue to assist us in our youth development efforts and provide counsel on new programs and funding opportunities," Lechtenberg said. "We are grateful to Linda for her efforts on behalf of Hoosier youth. She has brought a great deal of energy and enthusiasm to our programs and has helped expand our youth development horizons dramatically." Indiana has more than 70,000 4-H members across the state. The program also provides school enrichment activities for more than 170,000 Hoosier children. Gordon, who will have the title of 4-H program leader, began her Purdue career in 1973 as an Extension educator in Hendricks County. Many of her efforts over the years have been geared toward helping youth, and include participation on the child protection team for 14 years in Boone County and help with development of the parenting curriculum "It's My Child, Too," which is used across the state. Among her leadership roles, Gordon was also county Extension director in Boone County and interim program leader in Consumer and Family Sciences Extension on campus. David Petritz, director of Purdue Extension, will hold the title of 4-H youth department head until a permanent department head is named. He will provide faculty and administrative leadership for the department. "We are fortunate that Janet – with all of her experience and ability – will be able to move into the position of overseeing 4-H," said Petritz. "She will be stepping in just as we begin sign up and the early preparations for this year's fairs and exhibits."   To the Purdue News and Photos Page