Arkansas 4-H State Staff

4-H Events Coordinator

pthomas-scott@uada.edu

Priscella began her career with Extension in 2001 after serving as a program coordinator with the American Lung Association.  She received her Bachelor of Science in Health Education from the University of Central Arkansas and her master’s degree in Adult Education from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. As the 4-H Events Coordinator, she provides leadership to the state 4-H activities and events for youth, adult, and staff, including but to limited to the following: 4-H O-Rama (District & Arkansas), National 4-H Congress, National 4-H Conference, Western Round-Up and the FCS National Invitational.   She also provides leadership to the State 4-H program outreach efforts and the summer 4-H internship program. Priscella and her family reside in the Pulaski County area. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family, cooking, volunteering in the community and with her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

4-H Outdoor Skills Coordinator

jbocksnick@uada.edu

Jesse started his Extension career in 2007 as a county extension agent serving 10 years in that role between Sebastian and Perry Counties. He accepted the Outdoor Skills Coordinator position in 2017 where he provides expertise to programs such as ATV Safety, Shooting Sports, Outdoor Skills Challenge, 4-H Record Books, State 4-H Officers, Agent Training, Agriculture as well as many other areas. 4-H is a family affair as he and his wife Creenna met in 4-H and both are now 4-H professionals while raising their son Ryker. Jesse grew up on a dairy, beef, and commercial hay farm on Big Piney Creek north of Dover Arkansas in Pope county. He bleeds green as a  3^rd generation 4-Her who also served as a 4-H State ambassador and state 4-H Officer. He holds a degree in Agriculture Business from Arkansas Tech University and Masters degree in Agriculture and Extension Education from the University of Arkansas. He enjoys working on his bronco, tractors, or in the shop when time allows.

4-H Healthy Living, Program Associate

awelch@uada.edu

Amanda has been with the UADA for four years. She is a certified 200-hour adult and 95-hour children's yoga instructor, CATCH My Breath facilitator, QPR Suicide Prevention facilitator, and certified as a nonprofit professional. She has been married to her husband, Brian, for 17 years. They have two children, one cat. one dog, and seven rabbits. You can catch her kayaking, running races (only for the hardware), coaching and playing basketball, being outdoors, and volunteering with community nonprofits when she is not working.

Civic Engagement & Leadership, Program Associate

bleonard@uada.edu

Bethany began working in extension in November 2023 after serving as the FCS Pathway Adviser and the FCCLA State Adviser. She's now the Civic Engagement Program Associate and the 4-H State Adviser, focusing on Teen Leader Conference, Leadership Opportunities, and the Youth Leadership Team. She received her bachelor’s degree in FCS Education from Harding University and her master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Southern Arkansas University. When she's not working, she enjoys hanging out with her husband and her many cats, embracing the title of a "crazy cat lady." Bethany is passionate about youth leadership and loves being able to work with Arkansas 4-H Youth.

Curriculum Coordinator, Program Technician

ehill@uada.edu

Emma started working for the State 4-H office in July 2022. She began as an administrative specialist and became Curriculum Coordinator that November, which is her current role. She received her Bachelors of Science in Education from the University of Arkansas. Emma oversees curriculum, the events and enrollment system, the weekly announcements, and is the administrator for the Arkansas 4-H website. In her free time, Emma loves to cook for her loved ones, bake sourdough bread, read, and spend time with her husband John and beloved cat Ms. Boots. 

4-H Program Technician

jcsmith@uada.edu

Admin Support Supervisor

lwooten@uada.edu

Lynne Wooten has been with the 4-H Department since April 1997 and serves as the Administrative Support Supervisor. Before Extension, she completed her BA in English, worked with UALR’s Intensive English Language program and served as a secretary for a local engineering firm. She currently provides support to staff and administrative specialists in 4-H, assists with the youth protection program and works daily with Workday travel policies. In addition to maintaining her extensive collection of cows on postage stamps, she enjoys reading and loves to dream about beautiful quilt patterns.

Executive Assistant

kcoleman@uada.edu

Khaliah started at Extension on May 9, 2022 as the Admin Specialist III for Horticulture. Eight months later, Khaliah started as the new Executive Assistant in the Development Office. Now, a year later she is the Executive Assistant for Debbie Nistler-4H and Nina Roofe-FCS. Khaliah studied higher education most of her adult life. She completed her associate degree in business administration at Pulaski Technical College in May of 2011. She is currently attending UALR to finish her Bachelor’s degree in Applied Communications with a minor in Business Information Systems. She hopes to later pursue her Master’s as well. Her general task in 4H is to assist Debbie Nistler in her day-to-day operations. Fun fact: most of her childhood was spent at her  grandparents 100 acres farm and she absolutely loves John Deer Products! She is a mom to one and only son, Adam, and he graduates high school in May of 2024.

Administrative Specialist III

cltucker@uada.edu

Cody Tucker has been with the 4-H Department since February 2022 and serves as Administrative Support. He has earned Bachelor of Science. He currently provides support to 4-H specialists, assists with  scholarships, chartering clubs, and general help with technology.

Administrative Specialist III

bortega@uada.edu

Bianca Ortega started with the 4-H Department in August 2023 after being a retail supervisor for the past 10 years. She is an administrative support specialist for the program associates and instructors. Bianca is currently taking online courses through Southern New Hampshire University for her Bachelor's degree in History. Bianca has two children, two dogs, and too many books from Barnes and Noble.  When not working, Bianca is usually enjoying family time and catching up on her reading.

Professor/Extension Specialist, Wildlife

rmcpeake@uada.edu

Becky is a professor in the Forest Resources Unit and has worked for the Cooperative Extension Service since 1998. She has coordinated or provided assistance to a number of 4-H programs over the years in addition to her primary work, which includes providing assistance to county agents conducting landowner/producer outreach and field demonstrations about wildlife. She coordinates the 4-H Wildlife Habitat Education Program, 4-H Food Plot Project, and District and State Wildlife O-Rama’s, and assists with the Wonders of Waterfowl Workshop. She served as a 4-H Club Leader in Saline County for about 15 years and got hooked on raising and showing Dutch rabbits while her kids were in 4-H. She and her husband reside in Benton.

Instructor - 4-H Youth Livestock

aharman@uada.edu

Allison joined the Animal Science Department in February 2023 as the 4-H Youth Livestock Instructor. She received her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science with a minor in Business Administration from Clemson University. Her Master of Science degree is from Mississippi State University in Animal Science with a focus in reproductive physiology. Some of her responsibilities as 4-H Youth Livestock Instructor include providing leadership for state-level 4-H livestock contests, supporting county and district showing and selection clinics, and coordinating other state livestock events. Allison is originally from South Carolina where she was very active in 4-H and FFA showing beef cattle and livestock judging. In her free time, she loves being around cattle, putting together puzzles, and going on walks with her dog, Rocky.

Instructor - Poultry Science

abolton@uada.edu