Dr. J. “Clay” Hurdle obtained a Ph.D. in Agricultural Education and Communication (Specialization: Leadership Development) from the University of Florida in 2023. He also holds certifications in Leadership in Agriculture and Natural Resources as well as Teaching and Learning in Agricultural and Life Sciences. Dr. Hurdle’s scholastic interests include positive youth development, the teaching and learning of leadership, leadership identity development, leadership life skills development, and land-grant university history. His expertise is in qualitative and mixed methods designs. He also conducts needs assessments and program evaluations.

From a programmatic standpoint, Dr. Hurdle is interested in developing opportunities for 4-H youth, volunteers, and Extension professionals to enhance their capacity for leadership both within 4-H as well as their communities, be they rural or urban. Additionally, he seeks to inspire youth to civically engage, instilling in young people an interest in issues-based education, volunteerism, and local government.

Affiliations

• Association of Leadership Educators (ALE)
• International Leadership Association (ILA)
• North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA)
• National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals (NAE4-HYDP)

Areas of Expertise

• Leadership theories for personal and group development
• Civic engagement through service-based activities and experiential learning
• U.S. land-grant university system history and emerging topics
• Qualitative research methods and needs assessment techniques
• Research at HDFS