University of Wyoming Extension announces new program leaders

University of Wyoming (UW) Extension has appointed three educators to vital leadership positions. 

Natrona County Educator Joddee Jacobsen is the new community vitality and health (CVH) program leader and Hot Springs County Educator Barton Stam is the program leader for the agriculture and natural resources (ANR) team. Finally, Samantha Krieger is now the 4-H youth development program leader.

Krieger is filling a recently vacated full-time role in the state 4-H program, while the CVH and ANR positions are newly created part-time commitments which complement educators’ current responsibilities. All three positions are designed to provide leadership to UW Extension focus areas, which will elevate programming quality.

“Our program leaders are accomplished educators in Extension who will help teams develop, deliver and evaluate quality programs,” says Mandy Marney, director of UW Extension. “These positions will help people find ways to work together within their respective teams and across teams, in addition to county and area-focused programming.” 

As program leaders collaborate with other members of the administrative team to develop evaluation tools in all focus areas, educators will be equipped with better tools to assess which programs are most impactful in their individual counties.

CVH educator creates new programs

Jacobsen has served UW Extension for over five years, beginning as the Natrona County 4-H educator and taking on a role as a CVH educator in 2022. 

Jacobsen has helped develop several innovative programs during her time as a CVH educator, including the Food, Fun, 4-H Program and Wyoming Walks. Both initiatives aim to help people find new ways to engage with their families and their communities. 

As program leader, Jacobsen looks forward to continuing to develop activities which respond to the current challenges and opportunities Wyoming citizens are experiencing. She also hopes to “support current stakeholders while actively engaging new stakeholders to enhance and expand Extension programming throughout the state.” 

Long-time ANR educator supports teamwork

Stam has served UW Extension for more than two decades. His leadership experience within UW Extension includes acting as an elected chair of the range initiative team. He also cofounded UW Extension’s annual Ranch Camp, a weeklong program providing eligible applicants over the age of 18 with practical ranch management experience.

Stam is excited to see the ANR team almost fully staffed. 

“Our newer hires have a broad range of expertise, skills and experience,” he says. “I see the UW Extension ANR team as well positioned to meet the needs of our traditional clientele and address emerging issues.” 

4-H educator

builds community

Krieger, who previously served as a 4-H educator in Uinta County, is the new 4-H youth development program leader. 

Krieger is passionate about how 4-H can help both youth and their communities. She envisions Wyoming 4-H as a “thriving community where youth are empowered to reach their full potential.” 

As the Uinta County 4-H educator, Krieger conducted a comprehensive needs assessment for Uinta County, enabling her to recruit 71 new 4-H members, 20 new adult volunteers and 43 new families. 

Krieger partnered with Uinta County community organizations to introduce science, technology, engineering and math based 4-H programming, in addition to running traditional 4-H program activities like camps, clinics, contests and fairs. 

In her new role, Krieger is excited to continue building a strong support system for youth and educators throughout the state. 

Jacobsen and Stam assumed their new responsibilities on Aug. 1, while Krieger started her new role on Sept. 3. 

Maya Kate Gilmore is a writer and editor for UW Extension. This article was originally published by UW Ag News on Sept. 5.