By Marla Lowder
The Tanana Valley State Fair is here and youth are excited to display the projects they have been working on all year. We hope you will come by and see them.
One of the best things about working in 4-H is seeing youth succeed. It is rewarding when the light bulb goes off in their heads after struggling with something, and they realize that they can do it. I have worked with 4-H youth for 26 years, and I still smile when they are having fun, learning and realizing they can do it.
Over the years, I have done many things, from helping clubs to running camps to state programming. I have enjoyed all of it. But as I move up in my role to new challenges, I am excited to introduce you to Matthew Anderson, the new Tanana District 4-H coordinator. He brings a new energy to the program and a different set of skills and knowledge. I am so excited to see where the program will go.
Matthew brings a diverse background and a deep commitment to youth development. Originally from Louisiana, his connection to Alaska began more than two decades ago during a transformative summer working with youth in Southeast Alaska. This experience led him to establish roots across various Alaska communities, including Juneau and North Pole.
Academically, Matthew holds an associate’s degree from the University of Alaska Anchorage and a bachelor of science in agricultural sciences from Oregon State University. He interned at the Matanuska Experiment Farm in Palmer. He also earned a master’s degree in agricultural leadership, education and communication from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and a master’s degree in crop science from Texas Tech University.
Prior to his current role, Matthew gained invaluable experience as a horticultural and 4-H agent in Tennessee. He initiated a successful grilling camp that educated youth on food and fire safety, and contributed to the establishment of county-level shooting sports programs (air rifle, archery and shotgun). He is enthusiastic about returning to Alaska and is dedicated to fostering new ideas and excitement for 4-H youth development in the Tanana District.
I encourage you all to come out to the fair or stop by the Tanana District office and meet Matthew and welcome him. He is a breath of fresh air and has some great ideas in store for the district. Many of us have volunteered to be judges for his grilling camp. Who doesn’t love a good steak on the grill? We are excited to have him and can’t wait to see where he takes the program.
To learn more about 4-H, contact Matthew Anderson, Tanana District 4-H program coordinator, UAF Cooperative Extension Service, at 907-474-2427 or mranderson@alaska.edu. Marla Lowder is the state 4-H program lead and can be reached at mklowder@alaska.edu or 907-474-1909.
