Pat McNally Receives National 4-H Life Member of the Year Award

Patricia McNally of Stillwater has been named the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals (NAE4-HYDP) National Life Member of the Year in recognition of her decades of leadership, service and continued dedication to 4-H youth development at the local, state and national levels.

McNally began her Extension career in 1974 as a county home economist with additional responsibilities in 4-H. During her 36 years in Extension, she served in a variety of roles, including seven years as Oklahoma’s State 4-H Program Leader. She also served on the faculty of the University of Northern Iowa from 1991 to 1994 before joining Kansas State University as a 4-H specialist. Following her retirement from Kansas State University, she returned to Oklahoma State University for three years as a part-time coordinator of military-connected youth programs.

Her commitment to professional leadership began early in her career. As a new Extension agent, McNally helped establish the Oklahoma 4-H Agents Association and served as one of its initial officers. She later served as a Southern Regional Director before being elected to the national association’s leadership team, serving as vice president, president and past president from 1982 to 1985.

Her contributions to the profession have continued well beyond her active career. McNally was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame in 2014 and has received numerous professional honors, including the Distinguished Service Award and Meritorious Service Award.

One of her most significant contributions as a life member was co-chairing the NAE4-HYDP 75th Anniversary Committee from 2020 to 2021. She helped coordinate the association’s anniversary celebration at the National Conference in Memphis, Tennessee, providing leadership for monthly planning meetings, commemorative activities, exhibits and special events.

McNally also led an Oklahoma volunteer team in creating two commemorative quilts for the celebration. One honored national association presidents who had served since the 50th anniversary, while the other recognized national conferences held from 1986 to 2021. The quilts, which required extensive research and collaboration to gather photographs and logos, became part of the permanent collection in the association’s archives in West Virginia.

“Pat’s commitment to 4-H is an example of what lifelong service truly looks like. Her leadership has helped shape the profession, and her willingness to continue sharing her experience and encouraging others speaks volumes about her dedication to the people and purpose behind 4-H,” said Dea Rash, Payne County OSU Extension family and consumer sciences educator. “This recognition celebrates not only what she accomplished throughout her career, but also the difference she continues to make.”

Although McNally’s professional accomplishments span multiple states and decades, her dedication to 4-H remains evident in Payne County. She continues to support local youth by assisting with county fair exhibits, judging speech and demonstration contests and the Food Showdown Contest, teaching sewing workshops and providing individual instruction to 4-H members. She has also served as a keynote speaker at county 4-H camp and a judge for state-level communication contests and the State Food Showdown Contest.

In 2022, McNally was named Payne County’s Friend of 4-H, recognizing her ongoing commitment to helping young people develop confidence, practical skills and leadership abilities.

“Pat is the kind of person every 4-H program is fortunate to have in its corner. She sees the potential in young people and takes the time to help them grow, whether she is judging a contest, teaching a new skill or working one-on-one with a member who needs extra encouragement,” said Summer Leister, Payne County 4-H educator and county extension director. “Her knowledge and experience are invaluable, but it is her genuine care for our 4-H members and their success that makes her so special to Payne County.” 

McNally’s service extends throughout the community. She has been an active member of Oklahoma Home and Community Education for 14 years, serving in local, county, district and state leadership roles. She was named the organization’s Oklahoma Member of the Year in 2023. She also serves as president of the Cottonwood Community Center Association, helping lead community improvement projects and organize annual fundraising events.

Her continued involvement reflects the lasting impact of a career devoted to Extension education and the belief that 4-H can make a difference in the lives of young people. Through professional leadership, volunteer service and personal mentorship, McNally continues to strengthen the programs and communities she has served for more than five decades.

The National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals supports professional excellence and collaboration among Extension educators and other professionals who deliver 4-H youth development programs. The National Life Member of the Year award recognizes the continued contributions of a life member to the association and the broader 4-H profession.