New 4-H agent is no stranger to program

The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Extension office in Blytheville has a new 4-H agent who is no stranger to the Mississippi County 4-H program.

Originally from New York, Mississippi County 4-H agent Torya Fields-Woods moved to Memphis when she was a teenager. Woods graduated from Southwest Tennessee College and then moved to Blytheville where she graduated from Arkansas Northeastern College with an associate's degree in education and then from Arkansas State with a bachelor's degree in education. Woods started working for the Mississippi County 4-H six years ago, when she moved to the area, as a program assistant.

"I've worked here for almost six-years as an assistant, but now I'm an agent," said Woods.

Woods' new position has added a level of responsibility to her job, but it's one she welcomes.

"I do have a lot more responsibility. I'm over the program for the whole area. I still do a lot of the same work, but before I had to answer to somebody else. Now I can take charge, I can implement new programs and work on recruiting and new clubs as well as building our existing clubs," said Woods.

Along with continuing current programs and events, like the yearly camping trip to Ferndale, Woods is hoping to use her new authority to implement new programs and clubs, and has a very specific goal for finding a new group of people to reach out to.

"My goal this year is to reach out to the Hispanic community," said Woods. "I'm targeting the Hispanic community because our programs are open to everybody and I want to include everybody, and right now we don't have any Hispanics in our program."

The 4-H hosts a variety of activities from leadership training to camping to basketball, and the program is open to any one K-12. Those looking for more information on getting involved with the Mississippi County 4-H, or information about available jobs, can visit www.uaex.edu or call 870-762-2075.

cpinkard@blythevillecourier.com