4-H Alumni Spotlight – Brent Hutchinson

By: Paige Hart

The Kentucky 4-H Foundation is thrilled to announce that our second 4-H alumnus in the spotlight is Brent Hutchinson.  Brent is currently the Executive Director of the Hindman Settlement School in Knott County, Kentucky.  Hindman Settlement School is the first and the most successful rural social settlement school in America.  Brent became the 7^th Executive Director of the 113 year old institution in October of 2012 and has driven the school to further the community and area through education, community service, and cultural heritage work.

Brent got his start in 4-H in Lawrence County school clubs.  Through his school club he was introduced to 4-H Camp where he found his passion for 4-H.  “Camp was always special; my twin brother and I turned 16 there and even got our first car delivered there.  I spent a summer making the same impact in other camper’s lives as a staffer at Diederich 4-H Center in Boyd County.”   When he was younger, Brent was active in speech competition, poultry judging, and horticulture team.  “4-H did and continues to provide so many programs that entice youth with many varying interests.”  Brent was an active and highly awarded senior 4-H member.  He attended the first Issues Conference, was a member of State Teen Council and was even awarded the Conrad Feltner Leadership Award.

4-H Senior Conference in 1994, from left to right John Fudge, Treasurer; Carrie Lynch Taylor, President; Brent Hutchinson, Vice-President; and Amy Blanton Barnes, Secretary

“Teen Conference was a highlight for my high school years.  It opened doors in leadership opportunities that were not in camp or school clubs.”  At his first Teen Conference, he knew he wanted to be a state officer.  In 1993, Brent was elected State 4-H Vice President, which made him the second state officer from Lawrence County.  1993 and 1994 was a year full of memories.  Brent reflects on the time spent with Dennis Goodman.  “He made a difference in each life he touched.  He truly cared about the state officers and STC to make an impact in 4-H.”  Brent’s agent, Pam Stephens Hay, was always a champion and mentor to Brent as well.

Brent pictured with his beloved 4-H Agent Pam Stephens Hay

Looking back 4-H helped to shape Brent’s career.  Through 4-H Brent developed a strong sense of community characterized by involvement, service, and cooperation with youth. 4-H taught him public speaking skills and leadership.  4-H also fostered in him the importance of connecting with people across all age groups and the skills needed to connect with people who are different from him.

4-H was truly a family affair for the Hutchinson’s.  “My grandparents and parents were always involved to ensure my siblings and I could have every opportunity we wanted in 4-H.”  Brent encourages 4-H’ers to continue to pursue their 4-H journey by saying, “Don’t be afraid to try new things and get out of your comfort zone.  Look to adults who have insight into your life and have faith in what you can do.”

Brent receiving the Conrad Feltner Leadership Award

Brent is happy to volunteer any opportunity he has with the organization that played an instrumental role in his development.  He is pleased to have his oldest son involved in 4-H with school projects, 4-H camp, and the archery club at school.  Brent was truly an outstanding 4-H’er that continues to support the advancement of the 4-H program.  We can’t wait to see what Kentucky 4-H will do with supporters like Brent behind us.