Claudette Smith, Ph.D., associate administrator for Cooperative Extension at N.C. A&T, has served in Cooperative Extension for 47 years in Virginia and North Carolina.

Claudette Smith, Ph.D., associate administrator for Cooperative Extension at N.C. A&T, has been inducted into the 2025 North Carolina 4-H Alumni Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame recognizes 4-H volunteers, Extension professionals and others who have made a significant impact on 4-H and its members. North Carolina 4-H recognized Smith for strengthening programming and youth experiences during her 47-year Extension career, which includes service in Virginia and North Carolina.

She has served as N.C. A&T’s 4-H Youth Development Program Leader and led the development of the 4-H Speedway to Healthy Exhibit. Thousands of the North Carolina schoolchildren have visited the exhibit, which also earned the Outstanding Subject Matter Program by a Team Award from the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Special Association.

Other accomplishments include winning the 2010 National 4-H Youth Science Day competition, developing the If Not You, Who? Taking a Stand for Youth in Your Community program and creating the Love for Life 4-H Nutrition Experience.

Smith has also served as chairperson of the Southern Region Program Leaders Network 4-H Committee, a member of the National 4-H Brand Advisory Team and on the National 4-H SET Team, which worked to increase 4-H’s visibility as a STEM skill-building organization.

Smith earned a bachelor’s degree from North Carolina A&T State University, a master’s degree from Cornell University and a doctorate from The Ohio State University.