Huls returns to Illinois Extension as 4-H educator in Western Illinois

CARTHAGE, Ill. — Kristin Huls returned in September to Illinois Extension as a 4-H youth development educator serving Adams, Brown, Hancock, Pike, and Schuyler counties. She will become a resource for youths in western Illinois and develop research-based educational programs focused on youth development, leadership, college, and career readiness.

In a press release, Extension county director Shelby Crow said, “Kristin is a very welcome addition to our youth development team. Her background and wide-ranging experience with Extension and 4-H will allow us to develop programs prioritizing the skills today’s youth need to be successful now and in the future.”

Huls first joined Extension in 1998 and served in many roles and topic areas, including 4-H, agriculture, horticulture, natural resources, community and economic development, and as county director until 2014.

She was a 4-H member and later participated in the program as a volunteer. Her children are also 4-H members.

“I would not be where I am today without 4-H. It is important to me to help youth find their pathway in life through the many opportunities 4-H has to offer,” Huls says.

Huls looks forward to creating programs that help youth develop crucial life skills.

“I hope to provide opportunities for the youth in our area to develop these leadership and career readiness skills through hands-on programs that will help them be successful in life and give back to their communities,” she said.

Extension educators and specialists connect every county in Illinois with university research through in person and distance-learning programming and other educational outreach. They work to provide businesses, families, and agricultural producers with the practical tools and resources needed to solve problems.

Huls graduated from Western Illinois University with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture business and a master’s degree in education. She is based in the Hancock County Extension office in Carthage and can be reached at khuls@illinois.edu or (217) 357-2150.