COLUMBIA, Mo. – Linda “Jo” Turner, retired Missouri 4-H program leader and former interim director of University of Missouri Extension, will be inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame Oct. 19 at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center in Chevy Chase, Md.

The National 4-H Hall of Fame recognizes and celebrates 4-H volunteers, faculty and staff, pioneers, donors and others who have made a significant impact on 4-H at the local, state and/or national levels.

“Jo is an amazing colleague, mentor and friend,” said Alison Copeland, Missouri 4-H interim program leader.

Turner began her professional 4-H career in the Meramec area as a youth development specialist. In 1996 she became the state 4-H program leader for the MU Extension 4-H Center for Youth Development. During that time, she significantly expanded the resources for Missouri 4-H by establishing partnerships with the Corporation for National and Community Service and the MU Office of Student Financial Aid. She twice served as interim vice provost and director of extension during critical transitions for the MU campus.

Before her retirement, Turner served as a member of the resource development team for the National 4-H Council, where she helped raise $6 million to bolster 4-H programming in STEM, agriculture and healthy living. She also raised nearly $2 million to address poverty and hunger in sub-Saharan Africa by strengthening 4-H programs in Tanzania, Kenya, Ghana, Liberia and Zambia.

Throughout her career, Turner has supported numerous Missouri 4-H Foundation programs and initiatives. In 2014, she and her sisters, Carol Turner and Anne Elkins, established the Waldo and Mary Belle Turner 4-H Youth Futures Scholarship in memory of their parents. Through her commitment to the 4-H Youth Futures program, Turner has helped numerous young people pursue their dreams of a college education, Copeland said.

Turner and 14 other honorees will each be presented with a National 4-H Hall of Fame medallion, plaque and memory book during the Oct. 19 ceremony. “We are proud to honor and recognize the outstanding individuals who are the Class of 2018 laureates for the National 4-H Hall of Fame,” said Jeannette Rea Keywood, chair of the National 4-H Hall of Fame. “These individuals have touched the lives of many people, from 4-H staff and colleagues to thousands of 4-H volunteers and members throughout the nation.”

The National 4-H Hall of Fame was established in 2002 to recognize and celebrate those who have made a significant impact on 4-H and its millions of members for more than 100 years. For more information about the National 4-H Hall of Fame, visit www.4-H-hof.com.

About Missouri 4-H

4-H, the nation’s largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for careers tomorrow. 4-H programs empower nearly 6 million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. University of Missouri Extension 4-H connects the technical knowledge of Mizzou to youth across Missouri learning about the sciences, leadership, citizenship and skills for life. For more information, visit 4h.missouri.edu.

Photo available for this release:
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Jo Turner. Photo courtesy University of Missouri Extension.