Lodl reappointed as associate dean for Nebraska Extension

Kathleen Lodl
May 11, 2020

Lincoln, Neb. —The Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln has announced the reappointment of Kathleen Lodl as associate dean of Nebraska Extension and head of 4-H youth development for a five-year term.

The action comes following a planned five-year review. Lodl has served as an Extension associate dean since 2011.

Lodl has been instrumental in growing and strengthening Nebraska’s already robust statewide 4-H programming. Under her leadership, Nebraska 4-H has engaged one in three Nebraska youth, which translates to a total of 142,000 youth statewide. In addition, Lodl initiated the Next Chapter program, in which 8th graders in 4-H are pre-admitted to UNL and given the opportunity to consider careers, complete required courses and prepare to complete an undergraduate degree in four years or less.

“Nebraska has one of the most innovative and impactful 4-H programs in the United States, thanks in large part to Kathleen’s leadership, vision, energy and initiative,” said Chuck Hibberd, dean and director of Nebraska Extension. “The importance of 4-H is difficult to overstate, as strong 4-H programs benefit the youth and families that they serve, as well as communities and our entire state.”

Lodl also has worked to increase Nebraska 4-H’s national profile; has helped grow the Extension focus on early childhood education; and has worked to increase strategic partnerships between Nebraska Extension and other entities, including partnerships that made possible the popular Raising Nebraska exhibit at the Nebraska State Fair.

Lodl received her bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and began her career with Nebraska Extension as a graduate teaching and research assistant in 1984.

For more information on Nebraska Extension, visit extension.unl.edu.

Share to: