(11/04/25) ATLANTA, Ga. — Citing his nearly 40 years of unwavering dedication to 4-H and public service, the National 4-H Hall of Fame inducted Mark Tassin, a former leader of LSU AgCenter youth programs, into its ranks at a ceremony held last week in Atlanta.

Tassin began his 4-H journey in West Baton Rouge Parish, where, as a youth, he showed poultry and rabbits. His love of animals led him to pursue a degree in animal science from LSU, where he graduated in 1981. He went on to earn a Master of Science degree in extension education and a doctorate in human resource education.

After graduating, Tassin joined the LSU AgCenter as a 4-H agent in Iberville Parish, where he engaged nearly 1,000 youth annually in school-based programs, providing leadership, mentoring students, building strong volunteer networks and expanding participation.

Tassin went on to become regional coordinator for the Southeast Region, leading more than 30 agents in 14 parishes in developing strategic programming and ensuring that 4-H initiatives were responsive to community needs. He went on to serve as both 4-H department head and AgCenter associate vice president for youth development.

“His leadership provided a steadfast educational priority for the Louisiana 4-H youth development,” Toby Lepley, retired Louisiana 4-H program leader, said of Tassin. “Because of his foresight and vision, Louisiana 4-H increased its visibility, appreciation and impact within the state school system and beyond the classroom.”

Over the course of his career, Tassin made it a point to advocate for youth leadership at all levels. This included enhancing the curriculum at the Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center and leading training efforts in the 4-H Shooting Sports program, helping build it into one of the most successful initiatives in the state, winning five national championships in the past six years.

Throughout Tassin’s 37-year career with the LSU AgCenter and Louisiana 4-H, he has helped transform the organization at the parish, regional, state and national levels. And even with all he has accomplished, he has remained humble and credits 4-H into forming him into the person he has become.

“4-H has done more for Mark Tassin than he has done for 4-H,” Tassin said. “It has been a major part of my life for more than 57 years, and I am truly honored and humbled by this recognition.”

Even in retirement, the husband, father of two and grandfather of two continues to give back, volunteering with the Iberville 4-H Foundation and mentoring the next generation of 4-H leaders. He refers to the organization as a second family.

“4-H is truly a family affair, and it was quite evident by the many who attended the ceremony in Atlanta,” he said. “I have truly been blessed to work with so many incredible individuals who made an impact on countless youth and families in Louisiana.”

After nearly 40 years of commitment and dedication to the organization, Mark Tassin was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame earlier this month. Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter