Florida 4-H Hall of Fame

Thomas C. Skinner

Professor Thomas C. Skinner, Extension Engineer, contributed to the success of 4-H programs for 49 years. He established and funded  the 4-H Tractor Driving Contest. He also designed buildings for the 4-H camps and went the extra mile to secure materials to build them. He spent many hours with 4-H personnel inspecting the facilities to make sure they were suitable. Skinner also designed numerous facilities for fairgrounds in Florida. Through the Kiwanis Club he secured physical and financial resources for many 4-H programs. He was also a donor to the Florida 4-H Foundation. His expertise, commitment to Excellency, and his strong character served Florida 4-H well. 4-H alumni who expressed the positive influence he had on them are a huge sign of his impact on the Florida 4-H program. As a professor of agricultural engineering at UF taught many 4-H members in college after their 4-H careers. As a professional he promoted improved agricultural engineering practices in Florida and nationally. He said, “ 4-H stimulated me to further my education through visits to the University of Florida campus as a 4-H member.”