MSU Extension

Jennifer Wasson is a Michigan State University Extension 4-H program coordinator in Muskegon County. She has worked in this capacity since September 2023. In this role, Jennifer provides leadership and management of local 4-H programs, volunteers, and youth participants in Muskegon County. She promotes and strengthens the Muskegon County 4-H program by developing programs and partnerships, promoting, and evaluating 4-H programs, and recruiting and training volunteers. Jennifer is also the liaison from the state Michigan 4-H office and helps to ensure that statewide opportunities and information are available to local participants. Certified Youth Quality Care of Animals Instructor and has been certified to provide initial help to a young person experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. 

Jennifer grew up in Alpena county's 4-H program and was raised on a fruit and ag tourism farm. She has been showing livestock nationally since her beginning in 4-H. As an adult she became an active 4-H volunteer serving on multiple county boards and councils and administrating her own 4-H clubs. Jennifer currently has a small hobby farm and enjoys showing Boer Goats and Draft Horses nationally with her daughter. They also occasionally show rabbits and poultry, species which were a passion for her as a younger member. Jennifer is a member of Michigan Draft Horse Breeders, Clydesdale Breeders of America, Michigan Horse Council, American Boer Goat Association, Muskegon County Trail Riders Association, and The National Association of Extension 4-H Agents.

Before joining MSU Extension in 2023, Jennifer attended and earned a degree from Baker College of Owosso and worked in Medical Laboratory Science for 13 years. Before moving to the area, she was working for Manistee Intermediate School District as a Transition Community Living Coordinator helping center based special education students become more independent.