The University of Wisconsin – Rusk County is excited to announce that Mary Big Mountain is the new Positive Youth Development Extension Educator for Rusk County!  Mary grew up on a Wisconsin farm and participated at the fair by showing in dairy cows, pigs, photography and in 4-H canned goods.  She laughs about the time they used to have a “Twin Contest” at the county fair where her twin sister and her earned ribbons right alongside the livestock. Having seen the world, Mary has always dreamed of returning home to Wisconsin.

Before joining Extension, Mary designed curriculum on self-leadership and peer leadership and instructed in Embry Riddle Aeronautical University’s Honors Program and in the Master’s Programs for the US Air Force. Mary has presented around the world on leadership while traveling as a US Air Force pilot and diplomat. She completed her doctoral dissertation on the importance of trust in team-building with a National Geographic group near the mountains of Tibet.

Mary welcomes the chance to meet with community members soonest to determine priority programming as she establishes her work plan. Mary will tell you she is more excited about what she is about to do in Rusk County than what she has done in her past! Mary positively shares, “I am eager to serve our citizens and work with our local leaders to build strong trust-filled teams inspired to work together to further the goals of Rusk County.”

Please send Mary a warm Wisconsin 4-H welcome to mbigmountain@wisc.edu 🙂