Kelly Parker has joined North Dakota State University Extension as the new state 4-H Youth Development specialist. Parker will lead the North Dakota 4-H Ambassadors program, working alongside co-advisors to inspire youth across the state.

Parker is excited to oversee program design and evaluation to champion positive youth development.

“I am thrilled to join North Dakota 4-H and the Ambassadors program,” says Parker. “I look forward to partnering with our youth and communities to make sure our students are equipped with the tools they need to be more than ready to fulfill their dreams and achieve their goals in the workplace and beyond.”

Parker earned her bachelor’s degree in veterinary sciences from the University of Tennessee at Martin. After teaching a mix of K-12 subjects, she pursued her master’s degree and Ph.D. in health, nutrition and exercise sciences at NDSU. She is now a post-doctoral research fellow in NDSU’s psychology department.

Her hands-on teaching includes programs like Eat Smart to Live Strong, and she previously served as a SNAP-Ed program assistant in Ohio.

Parker runs a small hobby farm with her husband. Their farm is home to egg-laying chickens, honeybees, horses and goats as well as fresh produce. She enjoys baking and quilting and is an active member of the Red River Valley Beekeepers Association.

NDSU Agriculture Communication – Jan. 31, 2025

Source: Kelly Parker, 701-231-7251, kelly.burdett@ndsu.edu

Editor: Dominic Erickson, 701-231-5546, dominic.erickson@ndsu.edu