AgriLife Extension names 4-H specialists for Amarillo, Vernon districts

Writer: Kay Ledbetter, 806-677-5608, skledbetter@ag.tamu.edu
Contact: Dr. Courtney Dodd, 979-845-1211, cfdodd@ag.tamu.edu
Bailee Wright, Bailee.Wright@ag.tamu.edu
Seth Hall, Seth.Hall@ag.tamu.edu

COLLEGE STATION – The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has announced the promotion of two county agents to the positions of 4-H specialist, effective Aug. 1.

Bailee Wright will be based in Amarillo, serving District 1, and Seth Hall will be based in Vernon, serving District 3, said Dr. Courtney Dodd, Texas 4-H Youth Development assistant director and AgriLife Extension 4-H program leader, College Station.

“I am so pleased to have Bailee and Seth join the 4-H Youth Development Program and serve in these new capacities,” Dodd said. “They both have experience working with 4-H, but also bring with them a vision of the endless possibilities the program has to grow and reach more youth. In their new positions, they will be supporting our county agents to do just that.”

District 1 includes 22 counties with an annual enrollment of 3,096 youth in 4-H clubs as well as 16,000 in school-based programs. District 3 4-H clubs in 24 counties have an annual enrollment of 3,317 youth, while school-based curriculum enrichment programs and special interest groups reach over 26,000 youth.

Wright, a native of Wolfforth, was hired as the AgriLife Extension 4-H youth development agent for Dallam and Hartley counties in 2016. She earned her bachelor’s degree from West Texas A&M University and worked previously as a summer intern with the Texas Pork Producers Association and as a marketing associate for The Cattle Range in Amarillo.

Wright said she is from a family of agricultural producers, teachers and coaches and grew up showing livestock and competing in various activities through 4-H and FFA.

“I have really enjoyed working with the youth of Dallam and Hartley counties and look forward to expanding that outreach to the 4-H program throughout the district,” Wright said. “In all of my work experiences and my leadership roles, I have learned that my two passions are serving others and youth development. I look forward to sharing my passion and providing guidance, support and opportunities throughout the 4-H program.”

Hall joined AgriLife Extension in 2012 as the 4-H youth development agent in Wilbarger County. A native of Vernon, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University and spent six years as the agriculture teacher at Electra Independent School District. While working in Wilbarger County, he earned a master’s degree from Texas A&M Kingsville.

Hall serves on the Central Region 4-H Resource Team and the Animal Industries Committee as a district representative.

“I grew up in both 4-H and FFA in Wilbarger County where I showed swine and judged livestock,” he said. “It really is an honor to move back to my hometown and work in the program that shaped me into the man I am today.

“I love working with the youth and want to help mold them for tomorrow. I look forward to broadening my outreach throughout all the counties now and will strive to do the best job I can for our entire district while serving in this new position.”