Press Release
Marissa Hurst is the new 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent in the River Valley District. She started on May 26. The River Valley District, which serves the communities of Republic, Clay, Cloud, and Washington Counties, will have Hurst’s primary office located in Concordia. She joins 4-H Agent Macy Hynek to lead our 4-H Programming.
Hurst brings a wealth of experience and a strong educational background to her new role. She earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Kansas State University and has been serving as a 4-H youth development agent in the K-State Research and Extension 21 Central District.
4-H youth development agents play a crucial role in creating and delivering educational programs aimed at school-aged youth. This includes supporting community clubs, out-of-school programs, school enrichment initiatives, volunteer management, and outreach efforts to establish new program opportunities in collaboration with both new and existing community partners.
Raised on a small livestock operation in Burrton, Kansas, Hurst was an active 4-H member, showcasing cattle, sheep, swine, and goats at her local county fair. She also participated in various 4-H projects, including Shopping in Style, Clothing Construction, Leadership, Reading, and Foods and Nutrition.
Hurst graduated from Kansas State University in December 2021 with a degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Agricultural Economics. Despite the seemingly unrelated fields of study, Hurst always knew she wanted to be a 4-H Agent. Her educational pursuits allowed her to develop a diverse skill set that aligns with her interests and the needs of the 4-H program.
Since her graduation, Hurst has been employed as the 21 Central District 4-H Youth Development Agent. She has enjoyed working with families and implementing innovative programs in the district. However, she is excited for the new challenges and opportunities that await her in the River Valley Extension District.
Hurst is eager to bring fresh ideas to the district, collaborate with the staff, get to know the communities, and connect with 4-H families. She invites anyone interested in contacting her to visit her at the Concordia Office, call her at (785) 243-8185, or email her at mlhurst@ksu.edu (note the hidden “l” between the “m” and the “h” in her email address). She looks forward to connecting with everyone and contributing to the success of the River Valley District 4-H program.
Local extension faculty members, such as Hurst, are employed through a partnership between K-State Research and Extension and the local Extension board. This collaboration ensures that research-based information is effectively disseminated to improve the quality of life for Kansans. K-State Research and Extension, based on the Kansas State University campus in Manhattan, operates under the umbrella of the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service.
For those seeking more information about the K-State Research and Extension River Valley District, please call (785) 243-8185 or visit their website at rivervalley.k-state.edu.
