COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri 4-H Foundation has announced the establishment of the Dana Brown Haynes Memorial 4-H Scholarship, created by the family and friends of Dana Brown Haynes, a former trustee of the Missouri 4-H Foundation who passed away Oct. 27, 2024.

This scholarship will support academic opportunities for current and former members of the Evening Star 4-H Club in St. James, Dana’s home club. It will serve as a lasting tribute to her legacy in the 4-H community, said Rachel Augustine, senior director of advancement for University of Missouri Extension and the Missouri 4-H Foundation.

Dana Brown Haynes joined the Evening Star 4-H Club in 1974. Her 4-H projects included clothing, beef, horsemanship, swine, knitting, leadership and public speaking. Dana was deeply involved in club leadership, serving as club secretary in 1977, club president in 1978 and 1979, and song leader in 1980. One of her most significant 4-H experiences was attending an exchange trip to Switzerland with the International Farm Youth Exchange (IFYE).

“Dana bled green,” one of her fellow club leaders fondly remembered, referring to her unwavering commitment to 4-H. Dana’s friends and peers describe her as a kind and attentive mentor, and she credited 4-H with fostering the confidence, work ethic and lifelong relationships that shaped her personal and professional life, Augustine said.

“This scholarship is a tribute to Dana’s selfless dedication to 4-H,” she added. “Witnessing her passion for 4-H and commitment to youth empowerment was inspiring. I am grateful for the time I had to work with her.”

Beyond her dedication to 4-H, Dana had a remarkable career, Augustine said. After graduating from MU with a degree in agricultural journalism in 1985, Dana built a distinguished career in agriculture and higher education. She worked at Vance Publishing, selling national advertising for Drovers Journal before returning to the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) in 1988 as director of career development and alumni relations. During her 29 years in this role, Dana became a fixture in the university community, providing career guidance and counseling to countless students. She also led initiatives that raised more than $1 million to support students and the college.

In recognition of her service, MU established the Dana Haynes Distinguished Service Award, and she was named CAFNR Alumnus of the Year in 2018. Dana’s dedication to students, alumni and the agricultural community was unmatched, and she continued to serve as an advocate for education and community well into her retirement, Augustine said.

“Dana was my best friend and the best wife ever,” said Clay Haynes, Dana’s husband and a key figure in the establishment of the scholarship. “I knew 4-H was important to her, so, naturally, it became important to me. I hope that this fund will grow through future contributions so that 4-H continues to positively impact youth, just as it did for Dana.”

“Dana was the kindest and most hard-working person I ever knew,” Clay added. “Her legacy lives on in the lives of the many people she impacted in her 4-H club, in her workplace and at the University of Missouri. Our children and I will never forget the positive impact she had on our lives.”

The Dana Brown Haynes Memorial 4-H Scholarship will be awarded annually to support the educational pursuits of youths in the Evening Star 4-H Club, enabling them to continue their education and carry forward Dana’s spirit of service, leadership and community engagement.

Gifts to the Dana Brown Haynes Memorial 4-H Scholarship Fund may be sent to the Missouri 4-H Foundation, 109 Whitten Hall, Columbia, MO 65211. For more information, contact Rachel Augustine at 573-884-7641 or augustinere@missouri.edu.

Photos

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Dana Brown Haynes speaking at the Clover Gala, which celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Missouri 4-H Foundation, on Oct. 5, 2024. Haynes was chair of the event’s steering committee.

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Dana and Clay Haynes at the Clover Gala.

https://extension.missouri.edu/sites/default/files/legacy_media/wysiwyg/News/photos/20250409-haynes-3.jpg
Dana, left, on an IFYE trip to Switzerland in 1981.

About Missouri 4-H

Missouri 4-H grows today’s youth and prepares tomorrow’s leaders. With a blend of time-tested traditions and innovative hands-on learning, Missouri youth explore and find their spark in programs ranging from agriculture and conservation to aerospace and career development. Through clubs, programs, camps, in-school and after-school experiences, University of Missouri Extension faculty, staff and thousands of volunteers guide youth in developing essential skills, building confidence and fostering connections. Together, they inspire young people to make a real difference in their communities, their country and the world. To learn more about Missouri 4-H, visit 4h.missouri.edu.