National 4-H Hall of Fame Inducts Proctor

Dr. Dalton Proctor, former state 4-H leader in North Carolina, was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame in an October ceremony in Chevy Chase, Md. The Hall of Fame honors 4-H volunteers, supporters, staff and pioneers who have made a significant contribution to 4-H at local, state or national levels.

Active in 4-H since the age of 10, Proctor held several leadership positions in the organization, culminating in his tenure as state program leader from 1984 until retirement in 1995.

Proctor shaped a North Carolina 4-H curriculum model, Cooperative Curriculum Systems, that was adopted throughout the Southeast. He was instrumental in developing the Eastern 4-H Environmental Center and expanded 4-H international programs, including the International 4-H Youth Exchange and programs with Costa Rica and Japan.

Under his leadership, North Carolina 4-H brought in the largest one-day non-corporate gift in the National Campaign for 4-H. Proctor oversaw creation of the annual 4-H gala, which, to date, has raised more than $1.7 million for North Carolina 4-H programs. He and his wife established the Dalton and Ruby Proctor Endowment and serve as National 4-H Heritage Club charter members.

In 1984, Proctor received the Outstanding Extension Leadership Award from North Carolina Cooperative Extension, and in 1988, he won the Chief Engineer Award from the National 4-H Council. A U.S. Army veteran who retired as a lieutenant colonel after 28 years of service, Proctor received the U.S. Air Force American Spirit Award in 1987 from the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents, as well as the organization’s Distinguished Service Award in 1995.

Proctor earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science and master’s degree in adult education, both from NC State, and a doctoral degree in education from Virginia Tech.

A Wilson native, Proctor now resides in Cary with his wife, Ruby. Surrounded by family and colleagues at the induction ceremony last month, her said that receiving the award “was the highlight of my career … the ultimate recognition.”