When someone thinks of Tennessee 4-H, there’s no doubt the name Ruth Henderson McQueen comes to mind. She’s been a loyal member, employee, supporter and volunteer for decades, and it all started when she was in the fifth grade in Loudon County.

“The first time I saw a home demonstration agent, I wanted to be one,” McQueen says. “I got to do that for a year and nine months in Sequatchie County, and then I moved to Knoxville to work statewide for about 25 years, but the opportunities have been immeasurable.”

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Growing up, McQueen was active in citizenship, leadership, parliamentary procedure, public speaking and project work. She went on to receive a college degree and advanced degree, then spent nearly three decades working for UT Extension – first as an adult home economics and youth agent and then as an associate professor for the 4-H youth development program. That’s where she had the distinct opportunity to be a part of the 4-H Japanese Exchange Program, where Tennessee families host Japanese students for a summer program and some for a full year of high school.

McQueen is Standing in the Hall Fame

“They assigned me international programs at one point, so I got to live in Japan for two summers,” McQueen says. “I think you learn more about yourself through international experiences than any other way, and that was an opportunity without 4-H I could have never had otherwise.”

Even though McQueen retired from Extension in 2001, she has continued to serve 4-H.

Because of her dedication, she was recently inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame.

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“Even though I don’t feel I deserve it, I’m so delighted that Tennessee has a representative,” McQueen says. “It is such an honor and responsibility to represent the state, but I have a debt to this organization that I’ll never be able to pay.”

McQueen was one of 15 inductees into the National 4-H Hall of Fame in 2024 at the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals national conference.

“McQueen is a Tennessee treasure. We are so grateful for her induction into the National 4-H Hall of Fame,” says Keith Carver, UTIA Senior Vice President/Senior Vice Chancellor. “She’s a most deserving inductee, as she has devoted most of her life to 4-H service by mentoring hundreds of 4-H students, faculty and UT Extension staff over her decades of involvement.”

McQueen’s record boasts many firsts, including serving as the first female president of the University of Tennessee chapter of Gamma Sigma Delta, the honor society of agriculture, and the first female chair of UTIA’s annual Ag Day.

She is also a charter member of the Tennessee 4-H Alumni and Friends. Through it all, McQueen wholeheartedly believes she wouldn’t be who she is today without 4-H.

“To whom much is given, much is required – in faith, in life and in 4-H,” she says.