Florida 4-H Hall of Fame

Woodrow W. Brown

As a 4-H member from Walnut Hill, Florida Woodrow W. Brown spent his summers working in the Escambia County extension office and made his decision to become a county extension agent. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Florida, and then served three years as a county agent until he was appointed to the state 4-H office as assistant boys 4-H club leader. Four years later he became the boy’s state 4-H leader and served as department chair for 4-H until he retired in 1972. After his retirement he and his wife Louise continued to serve 4-H through an endowment to the Florida 4-H Foundation to promote 4-H leadership development. Mr. Brown understood and promoted a 4-H program that was the ideal “leader led” program at a “roots” level. While he was the state 4-H leader, community clubs became the method rather than school clubs. At the same time boy’s and girl’s programs were combined and the 4-H program also racially integrated. He helped develop and charter the Florida 4-H Foundation in 1963 and then served as a board member for 25 years. He also created the “4-H Partner” award to recognize Florida citizens who contribute significantly to 4-H youth development. He was a leader's leader and served multiple terms as chairman of the 4-H section in the Association of Southern Agricultural Workers. “Plan your work and work your plan,” Brown said. 4-H was his life and his contributed to a great 4-H program in Florida. He provided leadership through two of the most difficult times in 4-H. Go to story about Woodrow W. Brown's inclusion in the National 4-H Hall of Fame.