Extending HINES FLOURISHES THROUGH HER ROLE IN OSU EXTENSION
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hen registered dietitian LaDonna Hines started her journey as an Oklahoma State University Extension staff member, she had little knowledge of what she was getting herself into. In 2001, Hines accepted her first position in OSU Extension as the Community Nutrition Education Program area coordinator for the northwest district. She then served as the Oklahoma County family and consumer sciences and 4-H youth development educator until 2009. She currently serves as Oklahoma County director. “I was not familiar with the extent of OSU Extension when I started,” Hines said. “A friend of mine actually told me about the open position.” As a youth, Hines heard of OSU Extension at the county level through agricultural agents. Growing up in Wayne, Oklahoma, playing basketball, Hines was not aware OSU Extension was in every county or was connected to 4-H youth development. Hines also said her two sons grew up without knowledge of OSU Extension. The Hines boys made their hobbies wrestling and baseball. “Most people hear of 4-H and think OSU Extension, but I guess I was pretty sheltered as I had not heard of any of it,” Hines said. Now as county director, Hines manages urban agriculture, horticulture, 4-H youth development, and family and consumer sciences programs while working closely with county and city government to obtain funding for OSU Extension programming. 48 SUMMER/FALL 2022
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“Every county is different and has Hines flourishes as county director different needs,” Hines said. “We and she sees the success of her staff as develop our programs based on our her own, Bess said. county’s needs and then deliver them “She sets the tone with her posito the communities.” tive personality and takes time to talk Urban agriculture in Oklahoma to her staff,” Bess said. “She has an County includes backyard gardening, open-door policy, and anyone is always backyard poultry and horticulture, welcome in her office.” Hines said. Hines is reThrough her time spected by those working with OSU in her office as IT’S ABOUT THE Extension, Hines well as those in has noticed famFULFILLMENT IN YOUR the community, ily and consumer Bess said. sciences is the least “She works exHEART THAT YOUR recognized branch tremely well with and one of the most other educators CAREER MADE A important, she said. and the OSU “Although urban Extension fiand rural areas are nance staff,” Bess DIFFERENCE. quite different in said. “They have LADONNA HINES population and the a great respect needs, there are still for her because the basic needs of the family no matter she is always on top of things.” where you live,” Hines said. Since working with Hines, Bess said After working in OSU Extension for he has learned to not allow adversity 20 years, Hines said she most enjoys to bring him down but rather to beat making a difference in the lives of the it head on. He now understands the people in her community. importance of communicating freely “It’s about the fulfillment in your with his staff, he added. heart that your career made a differHines’ efforts as county director ence,” Hines said. have not gone unrecognized, Bess said. Hines cares about all educators and She has received many awards and staff in Oklahoma County, said Claude was named the 2022 OSU Extension Bess, OSU Extension director of the Distinguished Educator. southeast district. She cares about “I am very pleased to have LaDonna each staff member individually as well as a highly valued member of the as the team, Bess added. Southeast District Extension team,” “When you get in a position like Bess said. LaDonna’s, your success becomes the Julia Laughlin, Oklahoma County success of the people you supervise,” horticulture and 4-H educator said she Bess said. looks up to Hines.
