Dickson UT Extension leader Janet Cluck retires, embodied 'servant's heart' for 40 years

Chris Gadd, Nashville Tennessean
·2 min read
UT Extension-Dickson Director Janet Cluck had the 4-H Building at the Dickson County Fairgrounds named in her honor in 2011. Dickson County Fair Association president Edgar Meek presented the sign to her at a fair board dinner that year.
UT Extension-Dickson Director Janet Cluck had the 4-H Building at the Dickson County Fairgrounds named in her honor in 2011. Dickson County Fair Association president Edgar Meek presented the sign to her at a fair board dinner that year.

Janet Cluck has worked with hundreds of students during her four decades leading the Dickson County UT-Extension Office. But her work has gone beyond classroom education.

Cluck has helped shape lives, young and old, through her various volunteer efforts on local committees and boards, which is why more than 100 people turned out at her recent retirement celebration.

Cluck said the UT-Extension position was her dream job. Still, after 40 years, she knew “it was time.”

“I grew up wanting to be an extension agent because of my experience as a nine-year 4-H member in Rutherford County, and never changed my mind,” Cluck said. “I consider it a tremendous blessing to have had a career that I’ve loved. And, I can’t imagine a better place to have been than Dickson County.”

Cluck was promoted to county director in 1991 and in 2010, Cluck was appointed interim regional director for UT Extension's central region, overseeing 31 Middle Tennessee counties for a year before resuming her duties in Dickson County.

She has also been instrumental in UT-Extension educational programs focused on agriculture, natural resources, life skills, and community involvement. Cluck also has been a leader in organizing the Family and Community Education clubs that meet regularly in Dickson County.

Janet Cluck receiving a proclamation from Dickson County Mayor Bob Rial.
Janet Cluck receiving a proclamation from Dickson County Mayor Bob Rial.

“The support of county government and the strong partnerships with the school system and other community agencies and organizations is unmatched,” Cluck said.

'Always keeping Dickson County at the center'

Hunter Isbell has moved into the Dickson County executive director role after working as UT-Extension agent in Dickson for years. Isbell said cluck is the "epitome of what it means to have a servant's heart."

"She has inspired and encouraged me and everyone around her to be the best we can be," Isbell said. "It is rare for one to come across a leader like Janet, and I recognize how fortunate we have been in Dickson County to have her for the last 40 years."

"Janet has instilled the importance of always keeping Dickson County at the center of our goal to deliver educational programming that helps citizens make informed decisions and identify solutions to improve their everyday lives," Isbell added.

One UT-Extension-organized educational program many in Dickson County are familiar with is 4-H. The organization promotes hands-on projects for kids and teens through in-school and after-school programs and 4‑H camps. Nearly 3,000 Dickson County students in grades 4-12 participate annually in 4-H activities.

Cluck’s dedication to Dickson County 4-H has been so pivotal that the county fair board named the 4-H Building at the fairgrounds for Cluck 10 years ago.

Cluck has also worked and volunteered in many other local organizations, including the City of Dickson Centennial Committee in 1999 and Leadership Dickson County for local leaders to better understand the county’s inner working and history, and their own strengths.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Dickson County UT Extension’s Janet Cluck steps down after 40 years