Arkansas 4-H State Staff
4-H Youth Development State Staff
Assistant Vice President, 4-H Youth Development
Dr. Nistler is a career professional in Extension, serving 27 years in Oregon, Washington, Florida, Iowa, and currently in Arkansas. She earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science from Oregon State University and a Ph.D. from the University of Florida. Dr. Nistler led the Florida 4-H Legislature program for 16 years and provided leadership for Civic Engagement and Civil Discourse Education for University of Florida Extension. Dr. Nistler intentionally chose opportunities professionally that would allow growth in leadership and more effectively contribute to the profession. This included national and state leadership engagement opportunities, research to further the profession, and mentoring young professionals to engage more fully in our profession. Dr. Nistler is a past national president of the Association of Extension 4-H Agents and a member of the National Joint Council of Extension Professionals. Dr. Nistler currently serves as Assistant Vice President for 4-H and Youth Development and is committed to helping all Extension professionals reach their full potential through collaboration and communication.
4-H Events Coordinator
Priscella began her career with Extension in 2001 after serving as a program coordinator with the American Lung Association. She received a Bachelor of Science in Health Education from the University of Central Arkansas and a 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 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 live 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
Jesse started his Extension career in 2007 as a county extension agent, working 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 third 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 a master's 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 STEM Instructor
Michelle McVay, a dedicated STEM Instructor with a passion for inspiring young minds through hands-on learning and exploration, began her career with extension in June 2024. Michelle earned both a bachelor's degree in communication sciences & disorders and a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Central Arkansas. Beyond the job, her heart lies in travel and the great outdoors. Whether it's hiking through national parks, exploring wildlife, or adventuring to new parts of the world, she finds endless inspiration in the wonders of the earth. This love for the natural world often finds its way into her career, where she strives to connect scientific concepts with real-life experiences. At home, Michelle cherishes time with her husband Jonathon and their two beloved pups, Sasha and Jolene. They remind her daily of the joy that comes from curiosity and companionship.
4-H Healthy Living, Program Associate
Rachel Chaney Dillion has been with extension since 2012, but her history with extension started well before that. She was a 4-H member and worked in agriculture research as a program technician in high school and college. For the past 11 years, she has been a Family and Consumer Science (FCS) agent in two counties, a staff chair, and an Early Childhood Program associate. In December 2024, she accepted the position as the 4-H Healthy Living Program Associate. Rachel graduated from Hazen High School in 2008. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Environmental Sciences with a concentration in Food, Human Nutrition, and Hospitality in 2012 and a Master of Science in Human Environmental Sciences with a concentration in Human Development and Family Sciences and Apparel Studies in 2016 from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. Rachel is a foodie and loves to cook for the people she cares about. She is known for experimenting with new recipes and making new dishes. Rachel also loves playing all types of games and spending time with family and friends.
Volunteer and Staff Development, Program Associate
Breanna began her experience in 4-H as a 4-Her in Montgomery County, Arkansas. She spent over 10 years in the program focusing on healthy living and civic engagement and served as a National 4-H Conference collegiate facilitator for two terms. She has an Associate of Arts from the University of Arkansas-Rich Mountain, a bachelor’s degree in human development and family sciences with a minor in political science from the University of Arkansas, and a master’s degree in youth development leadership from Clemson University. She is a first-generation college student and is passionate about providing opportunities to underserved youth through positive life experiences. Breanna worked with Florida 4-H for three years and has enjoyed implementing programs promoting mental health support and workforce readiness. When she is not working, you can find Breanna looking for odd taxidermy or a good book with her husband Pearson, and her velcro pug, Lucy.
4-H Program Technician, Tech Changemakers
Cindy was born into an Arkansas 4-H family. She tried as many projects as possible while always having beef cattle as her main project. She was a Teen Star, Ambassador and a member of the Performing Arts Troupe. When her time in 4-H ended, she attended the University of Arkansas and earned a Bachelor of Science and aster of Science in Agriculture Education. She then stayed home to raise her seven children. All of her children were 4-H members. The youngest four were Arkansas 4-H members. Her youngest son was actively participating as a member of the Tech Changemakers Team, so she began to help with the team, which led to her current job. Cindy is always willing to talk about the benefits of 4-H and Tech Changemakers. Cindy and her husband Bill live on the family centennial rice farm outside of Stuttgart. She likes to spend her free time with her children, grandchildren, and her 4-H club.
4-H Program Technician
Kristin began her 4-H journey in Conway County, Arkansas, dedicating over 13 years to animal science and healthy living while serving on leadership teams at local, state, and national levels. She graduated in May 2025 from the University of Central Arkansas with a Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences and is now pursuing a master’s degree in educational technology at the University of Arkansas. Professionally, she has served as a 4-H intern and now works as a program technician in the 4-H Youth Development office, supporting staff and agents statewide. Outside of work, she enjoys life as a cat mom to Tobie and Paisley, thrifting, and catering adventures with her mom.
4-H Youth Development Animal Science & Natural Resources Staff
Professor - Equine Extension
Dr. Mark Russell has been Extension's horse specialist since 2010. During this time, he has overseen all facets of the statewide 4-H Horse Program. He has a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Colorado State University, and a doctorate degree from Texas Tech University. Mark and his wife, Emily, are Conway County residents and have two children, Carter and Tatum. In his free time, Mark judges horse shows nationally for the American Quarter Horse Association, National Snaffle Bit Association, National Reined Cowhorse Association, American Paint Horse Association and shows horses with his family.
Instructor - 4-H Youth Livestock
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
Andrew Bolton joined the Poultry Science Department in November 2023. He earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Agricultural and Extension Education from the University of Arkansas. Some of Andrew's responsibilities include poultry chain, poultry judging, and 4-H BBQ contests.
4-H Center Program Staff
Learn all about this part of the Arkansas 4-H Staff on the 4-H Center Programs Staff About Us page.
