Kevin Carey Named Illinois 4H Assistant Dean and Director

Illinois Extension Welcomes New Youth Leadership Advocate

Bonnie Johnson
October 31, 2025
Media Article

Kevin Carey takes leadership as Illinois Extension’s 4-H assistant dean and director, advancing youth development, leadership, and education initiatives while honoring 4-H’s mission to build stronger communities.

The University of Illinois Extension has announced Dr. Kevin Carey as the new assistant dean and program leader for its statewide 4-H program, marking a new era of youth leadership and development. Carey, a lifelong advocate for 4-H, grew up in a farming family in Grundy County, Illinois, and spent 11 years as a 4-H member.

Illinois Extension Associate Dean and Director Matthew Vann said, “Kevin’s lifelong commitment to empowering youth, his alignment with Extension’s core values, and his service-minded leadership style have uniquely prepared him for this role. We know that positive investment in young people through 4-H programs enhances their well-being and achievement as well as the prosperity and success of our state. We’re pleased to have Kevin at the helm in this new chapter.”

Illinois 4-H programs, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s national 4-H network, engage more than 20,000 youth across 1,800 clubs statewide. The initiative focuses on skill development in areas like animal science, robotics, public speaking, and healthy living—empowering young people to become confident leaders and innovators.

Carey previously served as interim assistant dean since March 2024 and has a decade of experience in higher education leadership roles at Ball State University, Wittenberg University, and Illinois Wesleyan University. He holds degrees in English, student affairs administration, and a doctorate in educational policy from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

“Each day, I’m inspired by the passion of our 4-H youth, the commitment of our volunteers, the support of our families, and the dedication of our staff who deliver Beyond Ready experiences across Illinois,” said Carey. “Serving in this role reminds me to stay centered on the 4-H mission and Extension values while uplifting the College of ACES and the university. Together, we will listen, learn, and grow as we continue to make a lasting impact.”

Photo by: extension.illinois.edu