MSU Extension 4-H

Former state 4-H director and Michigan 4-H Foundation honorary trustee Michael J. Tate, Ph.D. died April 15.

He began his career in 1972 as a Michigan 4-H agent in Berrien County. In 1976, he became a statewide 4-H program leader with Michigan 4-H before becoming state 4-H director in 1983. He would serve in this role, as well as the assistant director for MSU Extension, until 1993. Under his leadership, the Michigan 4-H program prospered and had significant advancements. He recruited and supported a large and diverse cadre of state and county faculty and staff. He developed many partnerships with nonprofits, which increased 4-H visibility and strengthened relations with policymakers, ultimately securing nearly $7 million in grants during his Michigan 4-H tenure.

After 26 years with MSU Extension, he became a professor of human development and associate dean and director for Washington State University (WSU) Extension. He then served as WSU’s chief diversity officer from 2010 until retiring in 2014 as professor emeritus in the Department of Human Development. In recognition of his many contributions to Michigan 4-H, Tate was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame in 2014, and in 2017, he was elected as Michigan 4-H Foundation honorary trustee.

Gifts in his memory will help grow the Michael J. and Winifred Ann Tate Endowment in support of the Michigan 4-H Children’s Gardens. The following people gave gifts in his memory (as of April 30): Julie and Larry Chapin, Patricia and Raymond Hammerschmidt, Cheryl Howell, Janet Olsen, Judy Ratkos and Michael Lott, Sara and Dale Stuby, Noel Stuckman and Sandra Clarkson Stuckman, and Carroll and Marlene Wamhoff.