Longtime 4-H Leader Mike Yoder Retiring After 30 Years at NC State

— Written by Simon Gonzalez | February 13, 2026 (Updated: March 5, 2026, 9:05 a.m.)

Following three decades of service at NC State, including 11 years leading NC State Extension’s 4-H program, Yoder will retire March 1.

Under Mike Yoder’s leadership, North Carolina 4-H provides impactful programs for over 250,000 youth across the state each year in areas ranging from agriculture to artificial intelligence.

But as Yoder prepares to retire after 30 years at NC State, including the past 11 as NC State Extension associate director and state program leader for 4-H, he is quick to deflect any accolades.

Mike Yoder, NC State Extension associate director and 4-H state program leader, will retire March 1.

“Our Extension agents are the backbone of 4-H,” he said. “They deserve all the credit because they work exceedingly hard, putting in long hours, a lot of nights and a lot of weekends to make that happen. They deserve all the credit. Our specialists and our agents do an outstanding job of putting together programs that develop life skills, and that's really what 4-H is all about.”

Yoder is retiring effective March 1. His tenure includes roles as a lecturer in the Department of Animal Science in NC State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, coordinator for the 4-H livestock program, Extension equine specialist, state program leader for 4-H, and coordinator of Extension’s emergency and disaster programs.

“Mike has contributed in many important ways to the success of our college and been a key member of Extension’s leadership team,” NC State Extension director David Monks said. “I wish him well in retirement.”

Shannon McCollum will serve as interim 4-H state program leader. A lifelong 4-H’er, she began her career as an Extension 4-H agent in Halifax County in 1990 and joined the state 4-H team in 1996. With more than three decades of experience in youth development, McCollum brings deep institutional knowledge and a strong commitment to the 4-H mission as she steps into the role.

As coordinator of Extension’s statewide emergency programs, Yoder worked closely with agents, specialists and state agency partners in disaster preparation and recovery, helping ensure that North Carolinians impacted by storms have factual information on food safety, mold abatement and elimination, financial continuity and elder care, among other critical needs.

“When I started we worked closely with the Department of Agriculture and an organization called the State Animal and Agriculture Response Team,” Yoder said. “During hurricanes, we would sit in the emergency operations center so we could keep the lines of communication open between Extension, the university and the Department of Agriculture.”

Extension’s role evolved over the years. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the devastating storm that hit western North Carolina in September 2024, Extension experts from across the state helped meet critical needs. They staffed emergency operations centers; set up sites that distributed water, food and medicine; helped coordinate airdrops of vital supplies; and worked with partners to organize donations and distribution of hay, feed, fencing and other livestock supplies.

“Our people stepped up in the counties and did a phenomenal job,” Yoder said. “I don't take credit for any of this. They did what they had to do. It was a very difficult situation.”

NC State Extension state 4-H program leader Mike Yoder speaking at a podium during a conference. — Throughout his career, Mike Yoder championed 4-H and Extension programs that serve youth across North Carolina. He retires March 1 after 30 years at NC State.

Yoder’s varied roles and responsibilities all had something in common.

“The quality of people that I've been able to work with over the years,” he said. “Whether we're talking about specialists or administrators or county agents, Extension has just been a wonderful place to work because of the people who are so dedicated to enhancing the lives of North Carolinians.”

As he prepares to pack up his office, Yoder is confident in the future of 4-H.

“David Monks has a vision for where Extension needs to go and what part 4-H can play in that role,” he said. “I do think that we're in good hands as we move forward. I'll be around to help, but I'm not going to stick my nose in the door very often. Otherwise, I'm going to babysit my grandkids and maybe occasionally play a little golf. I still may work two days a week, but it will be something I can do with my hands, something I don't have to take home at night, and so I'm looking forward to that.”