In October, Dr. Bob Horton’s contributions to OSU’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) were recognized as he received the Meritorious Service Award at the college’s Alumni Awards Banquet.
Dr. Horton began his career with 4-H as an educator in Paulding County before transferring to the state office to serve as Extension’s State STEM and Curriculum Design specialist, as well as a professor in the CFAES Department of Extension.
With more than 40 years of service dedicated to the betterment of the Ohio 4-H program, Dr. Horton has been i
nstrumental in shaping Ohio 4-H into the leading youth development program it is today. He has authored and published 45 nationally peer-reviewed 4-H curriculum books focused on science education and is recognized for creating the 4-H bottle rocketry program.
Dr. Horton is also credited for modernizing 4-H’s hands-on approach to science education and his efforts have earned him widespread respect and recognition. His leadership and influence on adults, youth, volunteers
, and educators across the country cannot be understated.
His expertise extends to the development of experiential programs designed to actively engage participants as they discover the world of science, technology, and engineering. His collaboration with national organizations in this realm has helped to foster innovative approaches to STEM education and agriscience instruction.
Today, 18 states are actively developing 4-H curriculum based on his methodology and he has instructed more than 7,200 Extension professionals and 4-H volunteers in applying these methods in their own teaching.
“I cannot think of anybody more deserving of the CFAES Meritorious Service Award than Dr. Bob Horton,” said Patty House, Extension educator for 4-H in Clark County and Horton’s nominator. “He has had a tremendous impact on not only educators here in Ohio, but 4-H Youth Development educators and professionals across the United States and even across the world.”
Today, Dr. Horton holds an emeritus appointment within CFAES and continues to make significant contributions to his field with research focused on advancing methodology and best practices in agricultural and food sciences, instructional technology, and educational design.