DATE:     1/05/01
CONTACT:  Dr. Diane Smathers, (864) 656-2414; dsmthrs@clemson.edu
	  Toni Pipkins, (803) 256-4262; tppkns@clemson.edu
WRITER:   Tom Lollis, (803) 284-3343; tlollis@clemson.edu

4-H adds new office
and two to state staff

     CLEMSON -- Clemson University has added a new 4-H office in 
the center of the state to improve visibility and accessibility 
for the Extension Service youth education program.
     Two 4-H staff members and a secretary will be housed in the 
guest services building next to the S.C. State Fair administrative 
office, according to Diane Smathers, assistant director for Clemson
Extension and head of the university's Department of Family and 
Youth Development.
     Toni Pipkins, state 4-H program coordinator, and William 
Hair, state coordinator for 4-H agricultural programs, will give 
4-H a year-round presence at the fairgrounds.
     "We will move nearly all of our statewide 4-H projects 
and activities to the fairgrounds," said Smathers. 
     "The State Fair is funding half of William's position and 
half the secretarial position - at almost $50,000 a year for 
three years," she said. "The State Fair will also provide more 
than $150,000 of support with in-kind contributions, such as use 
of facilities."
     "We want this to be the second home for 4-H in South 
Carolina," said Gary Goodman, State Fair manager and former 4-H'er 
as a youth in Charleston County. "This gives them a central presence 
in the state for all their programs."
     The 4-H Program reached approximately 104,000 youths between 
the ages of 5 and 19 in 2000 through programs in schools, community 
and special interest clubs and camping.
     Hair's responsibilities will also include working with the 
State Fair to coordinate 4-H youth activities at the fairgrounds 
and bringing in more youth activities to the facilities year 
round, such as statewide competitions.
     He will also coordinate the 4-H State Fair exhibit, which 
occupies a 6,000 square foot space in the Ruff Building.
     Hair holds a Ph.D. in agronomy from Clemson, an M.S. from
The Citadel and a B.S. from Clemson. He has been a county agent 
with extension since 1989. Prior to that he worked at the 
university's Coastal Research and Education Center. He lives on 
his family's farm in Orangeburg County.
     Smathers said that Hair's expertise with plants will serve 
4-H well since gardening is one of the largest 4-H enrollment 
areas.
     She said 4-H is also strengthening the horse program by 
adding Elizabeth Buist to the state 4-H staff on the Clemson 
campus as horse specialist. She will spend 75 percent of her 
time in the 4-H horse program and provide leadership for the 
4-H awards and recognition program with the other 25 percent.
     Buist was formerly a 4-H agent in Greenwood County. She 
holds a B.S. in animal science from Clemson. She received the
Director's Award for Outstanding 4-H Programming in 1999.
     "The equine industry is really growing, particularly as a 
sport, and Elizabeth will help increase our visibility in this 
area," said Smathers.
                             END