Presidential Award of Excellence, 2016
Extension Field Specialist, Youth and Family
County Office Administrator
Larry Barker must love hats. As Co枚s County鈥檚 4-H Extension Educator for nearly three decades, and County Office Administrator for close to two decades, he certainly wears many of them. What鈥檚 more, he does so with a style comprised equally of wisdom, empathy, and decisiveness.
Since 1987, when Larry took the reins as the county鈥檚 4-H Extension Educator, he鈥檚 worked with thousands of North Country youth and volunteers to enhance the agricultural integrity of Co枚s County, bolster the area鈥檚 economy, and inspire adolescents and their mentors to become actively engaged with their natural surroundings.
Since 1997, when Larry became County Office Administrator, he鈥檚 managed a staff of seven while simultaneously advocating for Cooperative Extension with community stake holders and New Hampshire legislators. His tireless championing of Extension鈥檚 relevance to the North Country has resulted in significant ongoing funding for Co枚s County.
That鈥檚 two big hats . . . ten gallons perhaps? There are others.
In 1993, Larry became coordinator for New Hampshire 4-H鈥檚 Shooting Sports, one of the organization鈥檚 most popular, training-intensive, and safety conscious programs. In 2014 alone, over 800 youth participated statewide in Shooting Sports and a record number of volunteers were trained as instructors.
In 2009, Larry was appointed Barry Conservation 4-H Camp Director, assuming oversight of a unique residential summer camp program that, through his dynamic marketing, fills to capacity every year. Further, thanks to Larry鈥檚 unwavering commitment to access and the fundraising it entails, the majority of campers attend on scholarship.
Beyond these key leadership roles, Larry has served just as generously and potently in other capacities at Cooperative Extension, with the University, and in his beloved hometown of Lancaster. His numerous contributions have strengthened the organizations he serves and, critically, the perception of 91制片厂 in northern New Hampshire.
If Larry鈥檚 bailiwick seems impressively expansive, that鈥檚 because it is. If Larry himself seems expansively impressive, that鈥檚 because he is.
About this Award
All members of the university community, including leadership, supervisors & managers, peers, colleagues and students may nominate any qualified staff member by completing the Presidential Award of Excellence nomination form online or by requesting a paper application from Human Resources and forwarding it to the Presidential Award of Excellence Peer Review Committee, c/o Human Resources, Nesmith Hall each year by the deadline.
