Mickelson new 4-H, youth development agent for Bastrop County
BASTROP — Mellanie Mickelson is the new Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agent for 4-H and youth development in Bastrop County.
Mickelson, who began her duties May 1, was previously an AgriLife Extension agent for 4-H and youth development in Travis County.
“Mellanie is a dedicated agent, and has been very active in 4-H programming and implementation and professional development opportunities to improve her ability to serve the agency and the residents of Texas,” said Michael Haynes, AgriLife Extension administrator for the agency’s District 10.
“She has been engaged in a variety of local, district and state committees. Last year Mellanie received a District 10 Outstanding 4-H Agent Award, plus a District 10 team award for her work with animal shelters after Hurricane Harvey.”
Mickelson is responsible for designing, planning and implementing educational and life-skill development programs focused on youth needs and interests. She also will interpret and market 4-H activities to legislators and other key stakeholders as well as provide guidance, training and oversight to 4-H volunteers and adult leaders.
Mickelson earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Oklahoma State University in Stillwater and master’s degree in management and leadership from Tarleton State University in Stephenville. She also completed coursework in veterinary medicine at Oklahoma State University in Oklahoma City.
Prior to becoming a 4-H and youth development specialist, Mickelson was a social services program specialist and animal science project manager with the 4-H CAPITAL Urban Animal Science Program in Travis County. In that role she oversaw, planned, designed and implemented animal science policy, budget and events plus designed training manuals and informational materials for animal science programs. She also represented 4-H CAPITAL on the Travis County Youth Show Board and oversaw herd health records for multiple livestock used in 4-H animal programs.
She was also an education instructional specialist with the 4-H CAPITAL Urban Animal Science Program in Travis County, plus has additional experience as a livestock animal caretaker and weekend supervisor from the Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Mickelson’s certifications include American Heart Association CPR, food handler and mental health first aid certification .
She is a member of the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents, Texas Association of Extension 4-H Agents, Texas County Agricultural Agents Association. She is also a member of Epsilon Sigma Phi, Alpha Chi’s National Collegiate Honor Society and Delta Mu Delta’s International Honor Society in Business. She has also been a member of the National Association of Professional Women and Oklahoma Collegiate Cattlewomen.
“I’m excited to be with the AgriLife Extension office in Bastrop County and to get back to my rural roots,” Mickelson said. “This county has a strong traditional 4-H program, and I want to continue that but also involve other members of the community in identifying any additional 4-H programming needed. Where necessary, we’d like to diversify our programming to involve and include as much of the community as possible.”
Writer: Paul Schattenberg, 210-859-5752, [email protected]
Contacts: Michael Haynes, 830-278-9151, [email protected]
Mellanie Mickelson, 512-581-7186, [email protected]
