ATHENS – Randy Nuckolls, who joined 4-H in Whitfield County as a youth more than 60 years ago, was honored with the 2023 Georgia 4-H Lifetime Achievement Award at the 4-H gala.
In the decades that followed, Nuckolls became deeply involved in Georgia 4-H, earning the title of Master 4-Her and serving as a summer camp counselor at the Rock Eagle 4-H Center from 1970 to 1973. Nuckolls continued to support Georgia 4-H throughout his professional career.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was established in 2001 to recognize individuals who contribute significant time, energy and resources to Georgia 4-H over an extended period of time. The prestigious award is considered the highest honor presented by Georgia 4-H and is given to those who have dedicated years of service to the organization.
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Nuckolls earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences in 1974 before earning a law degree from UGA’s School of Law in 1977. From there, he spent his career as a public policy attorney in Washington, D.C. and is a former U.S. Senate staffer.
Nuckolls has worked in the nation’s capital for the past 50 years to promote Georgia 4-H and increase the organization’s profile on a national level. He has supported the Georgia 4-H Washington Intern Program by hosting and building connections between student interns and legislators. Additionally, he has supported federal legislation to expand the budget and reach of UGA Cooperative Extension and Georgia 4-H.
“This is the 10th time the Lifetime Achievement Award has been presented,” said Georgia State 4-H President Melanie Biersmith. “It was an honor to add Randy Nuckolls’ name to the prestigious list of past winners.”
“In keeping with our theme for the 4-H gala where he was honored, Randy’s contributions have ‘elevated’ our work and impact within Georgia 4-H.”
As one of the oldest members of the Georgia 4-H Foundation, Nuckolls has played a critical role in the success of many fundraising projects for more than half of the organization’s existence.
“Maybe I didn’t have a bright idea that would have changed the landscape of Georgia 4-H,” Nuckolls said as he accepted the award. “However, through my work as a camp counselor, camp manager, state 4-H staff assistant, 4-H Foundation board member, legislative aide to two Georgia senators in Washington, D.C., and as a Washington attorney for over 30 years at the University of Georgia, I have been a supporter, a maintainer, a promoter of Georgia 4-H and a mentor to individual Georgia 4-Hers.”
The Georgia 4-H Gala is an annual fundraiser to support Georgia 4-H programming. The 2023 event, held at the InterContinental Hotel Buckhead in Atlanta, raised $712,500 to fund 4-H programs that increase accessibility for all participants. This year’s theme – “Together We Elevate” – refers to an upcoming major project to add an elevator to the Rock Eagle Effigy observation tower.
“The Foundation would like to thank the incredible sponsors and donors for their record-breaking support through the Georgia 4-H Gala. “These advocates for positive youth development have solidified resources that will continue to create life-changing opportunities through Georgia 4-H,” said Adam Hammond, executive director of the Georgia 4-H Foundation. “It was also an honor to celebrate Randy Nuckolls’ proven support and the outstanding legacy he continues to bring to Georgia 4-H.”
For more information about Georgia 4-H, contact a UGA Extension office or visit georgia4h.org.
Josie Smith is the public relations coordinator for Georgia 4-H. Cooper Hardy is an agricultural communications student and student employee with Georgia 4-H.
