New State President, Jean Hitchcock

"Extension Service has been a big part of my life. My mother was as Extension Homemaker as a young married woman. After dropping out through some very busy years, she again became very active for many years.

As the younger child of Oscar and Edna Bozarth, I started doing project work when my sister joined 4-H. I was born and raised in rural West Central Kentucky. I started first grade and graduated high school in the same building, Dundee Consolidated School. 4-H meetings were held in the schools at that time, so it was easy to become a member.

My first leadership roles came in 4-H and later, Future Homemakers of America. In high school, I served a term as president of the county 4-H association.

After one semester at the University of Kentucky, I transferred to Western Kentucky University, where I earned a degree in Vocational Home Economics. I remained in Bowling Green as a Youth Agent with the Kentucky Extension Service for five great years.

I left Extension for one year when I lived in Florida. Upon returning to attend graduate school, I accepted a one-year appointment as Youth Agent in Metcalf County. During that year, I met and married Dr. Philip Hitchcock, a local family physician and graduate school was put aside. Along with Philip came his two children, Stacie and Mike, who stayed with us part of the time.

During our first year of marriage, we moved back to Bowling Green and I became a social worker with the Kentucky Department of Public Assistance for the next two years. I resigned my position just before our daughter Holly was born and have not had full-time employment since.

When Holly was six months old, we moved to Evansville where Philip became an emergency room physician at a local hospital and I soon started looking for an Extension Homemaker club.

In 1971, I met with several retired and stay-at-home home economists and friends and we organized Noon Neighbors Extension Homemaker Club. The club continues to be very active and I am the only remaining charter member.

Serving as a club officer led to county leadership roles and I became District Representative in 1989. I was fortunate to serve on the Board with several who went on to be State President. At that time I did not Aspire Higher in the state organization.

A while after Philip died in 2005, I was approached about considering a state office. Much thought went in to my decision and last year I accepted the role of Servant Leader.

I view IEHA as a very special organization and have enjoyed my years as a member. During these years, I have witnessed our membership decrease as we tried to reach younger homemakers with the same methods and programs that worked many years ago. Now, I would like to see IEHA dream great dreams, reach for the stars and Aspire Higher as an organization. We have much to offer all ages that make a home for themselves, their families, and their communities.

I'm filled with anticipation for a successful new year and ask that you Aspire Higher with me!"