UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Carol Schurman, a retired county extension educator and current volunteer for the Indiana County 4-H program overseen by Penn State Extension, was recently honored with induction into the National Association of County Agricultural Agents Hall of Fame following nearly 50 years of service.
“It’s an honor to be nominated by your peers,” Schurman said. “It’s a reflection of the career that I had serving the people here in Indiana County and elsewhere, along with other volunteers and staff.”
Schurman joined the 4-H program in 1977 as an assistant extension educator in Indiana County. From her experiences growing up on a dairy farm, she said she felt it was important to teach youth about agriculture, especially since so many people have lost touch with how agriculture influences their daily lives.
It was also around this time when she became a member of the Pennsylvania Association of County Agricultural Agents, a position she would hold until her retirement. Within two years of working with 4-H, she was recognized with the Epsilon Sigma Pi Outstanding Extension Worker Award.
Throughout her career, she held leadership roles in the Southwest 4-H Program Committee and served as president of the Pennsylvania Board of Extension Professionals. She played an active role in the Northeast Region 4-H Leader Forum, serving as both a planning committee member and seminar chair. She also contributed to the State 4-H Animal Science Curriculum Committee and was a national reviewer for the 4-H Programs of Distinction.
Additionally, Schurman served in multiple roles during her time with Indiana County Children’s Advisory Commission, including as a member, secretary and co-chair.
Schurman retired from professional work with 4-H in 2017 and now serves as a volunteer with Indiana County Penn State Extension. She has contributed to several efforts, most notably embryology education, regional 4-H camp and communication contests. For her decades of service, she was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame in 2021.
In nominations, peers noted that Schurman encourages youth to pursue their passions through the program and goes above and beyond to provide them with the best education.
“I can think of nobody who could possibly deserve this honor more than her,” said Kimberly Rhea, science educator at Penns Manor Area Elementary School. “She is an extraordinary educator and role model.”
Another colleague who nominated Schurman was Connie Bruner, Indiana County 4-H alumna and current 4-H leader.
“She is the epitome of 4-H, building Indiana County 4-H from the ground up into the dynamic, powerhouse program that it is today,” she said. “Youth who started in 4-H as a member have graduated from the program and have become pillars in their community and leaders in their careers because of her tutelage.”
