Johns retires after 32 years with U.C. extension system
Pat Johns, U.C. Cooperative Extension director and 4-H advisor
for San Benito County for the past eight years, recently retired
after 32 years with the Extension Service.
Johns retires after 32 years with U.C. extension system
Pat Johns, U.C. Cooperative Extension director and 4-H advisor for San Benito County for the past eight years, recently retired after 32 years with the Extension Service.
Johns, a native of Hanford, began her career with U.C. in 1975 as a 4-H youth development advisor and home economist for Lake and Mendocino counties. She first became interested in the Extension during her senior year at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, when she worked on a special project with U.C. Extension home economist Mildred Townsend.
Johns became Lake County director in 1987, and from 1990 to 1998 also served as North Region 4-H coordinator. In that role, she developed before- and after-school programs for at-risk youth that continue to be offered through 4-H and other community agencies.
When Johns arrived in San Benito County, the local 4-H program was in jeopardy of closing due largely to partisan bickering, but during her term, the program grew and thrived.
“Being able to have an impact on the lives of children and the two communities that I have lived and worked in,” were the experiences Johns described as the most rewarding of her 32-year career.
Johns holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in home economics and a teaching credential from Dominican University.
Johns is looking forward to travel, golf, gardening and quilting during retirement.
Following her retirement, U.C. Extension adviser Bill Coates was named interim director. Interviews for a local 4-H program administrator are under way.
