18 Jul 2026 A life in full clover

By Judy Riley

Darlene Zeh Millard was a shy child, one of three daughters born and raised on a farm north of Rogers in Benton County. That little girl would ultimately lead the largest youth organization in the state, the Arkansas 4-H program.

The impetus that brought her to this career was her own involvement in 4-H Club work, the youth outreach of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture (UADA). Since 1914, when land grant institutions were founded, Arkansas has always had a strong 4-H program. Four-H clubs were created to provide training for youth to educate their parents on better farming and rural living practices.

This youth organization has at its core a group of adult volunteers who provide opportunities for youth through projects and activities ranging from cows to STEM focus, aerospace, cooking, leadership and healthy living. For 4-H members, it’s all about in-depth study of a particular subject, then applying their skills by competing among peers with talks, demonstrations, recording books, speeches or being part of a judging team. Millard took advantage of every opportunity 4-H gave her. She met new people, competed in numerous activities and participated in trips out of state, all of which broadened her horizons. She gives credit to her County Extension agents and volunteer leaders for encouraging her. As she overcame her shyness, a career working with youth seemed logical. For Millard, it was a calling, and she is still at it 65 years later as a volunteer.

She began work with the Pulaski County Extension Service with UADA as a 4-H agent, her dream job. Life was good until it wasn’t. At age 26, Millard was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. The treatment involved surgery to remove a tumor that engulfed her right facial nerve. That nerve was severed, leaving partial facial paralysis. “Because of training and experiences in 4-H, I knew that appearance does not change abilities. My own family, my church family, my Extension Service family, all stood beside me. I have no doubt in my mind that without my 4-H background, I would not have survived the cancer journey. The self-confidence gained through 4-H was a lifeline,” she said.

Undaunted, Millard moved up in her career to become a youth education specialist, serving agents and youth statewide. She would, while continuing her work, get her Master of Science from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and her Ph.D. in family and consumer sciences from Texas Woman’s University in Denton. Working full-time and traveling to Denton on her vacation days was no easy task. Millard was encouraged by her parents, especially her dad, who had the most respect for education. He had to drop out of high school to support his mother and two siblings when his dad died. He always wanted his daughters to be able to support themselves. He regarded the faculty at UADA and extension agents with great respect.

In 2002, Millard became the Extension Service’s assistant director of 4-H youth development, overseeing a staff of 15 that created and delivered programs for more than 15,000 young people. Her high standards and deep commitment to youth inspired strong support from her team, many of whom still speak of her with admiration. “Darlene sees potential in people, in the Vines Arkansas 4-H Center, and in 4-H as a whole, and she finds ways to help that potential grow. She helped me understand that leadership is not about the leader, but about removing obstacles for those who follow and continue serving through 4-H,” said Shannon Caldwell, program director for the center.

“Darlene is an excellent leader and supervisor,” said J.J. Pitman, current director of the Vines Center. “She set a high bar for her staff. I am attempting to follow her lead as an administrator. She led by example, allowing people to utilize their strengths while supporting them. She used the reins only when necessary.” 

Millard has received numerous awards throughout her career. The most prestigious was being named to the National 4-H Hall of Fame in 2020. Other noteworthy awards include Friend of Arkansas 4-H, Emerald Society of Donors, 4-H Alumni of the Year, National Agricultural Alumni Development Volunteer Service, and Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural Food and Life Sciences Outstanding Alumni.

Even though she officially retired in 2009, her service to 4-H continues as a volunteer. Millard currently serves as vice president and finance chair of the Arkansas 4-H Foundation, the nonprofit that owns the Vines Center and provides financial backing for the 4-H program. When asked why she stays so heavily involved, she concluded, “Four-H has been a part of my life for 65 years. I believe there is no other youth organization that makes a positive impact on youth as does 4-H. I firmly believe that young people need opportunities to develop their talents. By staying involved through the foundation, I feel like I can still pay back a bit of what I gained from 4-H.”

Millard’s impact is best summed up by her former colleague and fellow foundation Board Member Mike Klumpp. “Throughout her life and career, Darlene has been a true servant leader,” he said. “She focuses on empowering others, always lifting them up to reach their full potential. She has made a significant difference in the lives of hundreds of youth and adults throughout Arkansas and beyond.” 

What a life of service, indeed!