Florida 4-H Hall of Fame

Susanne G. Fisher

Dr. Susanne G. Fisher began her 4-H career as a 4-H member and junior leader doing projects in home economics, horticulture, animal science and clothing.  After graduating college she became the state 4-H specialist in Minnesota and then assistant dean for 4-H and state 4-H leader at the University of Florida. Dr. Fisher focused on leadership during a period of diminishing financial resources. Even during a period of downsizing she maintained basic and core programs valuable to the 4-H program. At the same time she kept a positive outlook for the future. She expected and supported the highest quality professional work and dedication in herself as well as her colleagues in 4-H. “I have framed my 4-H leadership around provision of meaningful experiences and relationships for youth,” Fisher said. She supported quality curriculum in environmental education, improved 4-H camping facilities, and raised private funds. On a national level she began implementation of a national 4-H strategic plan. When she served as interim national 4-H program leader at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Fisher helped design a national process to update project materials and curriculum regularly. Fisher said “Early 4-H experiences helped me learn to set and accomplish achievable goals. These experiences also helped me learn to make and nurture friendships.”