Rate My Professor Katherine Carter

Katherine Carter serves as the Youth Animal Science Extension Specialist in the School of Animal Sciences at Virginia Tech, part of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Appointed in May 2019 as Extension assistant youth livestock programming specialist, she leads Virginia Cooperative Extension’s youth livestock programs and the state 4-H livestock judging team. Carter collaborates with faculty, staff, Extension agents, and programming partners to deliver comprehensive youth livestock initiatives. Her duties include providing leadership for competitive events such as livestock judging contests, developing educational curricula, and creating innovative opportunities for positive youth development through animal science activities. She coaches the Virginia 4-H Livestock Judging Team, which secured a national win in 2023, and serves as interim coordinator for the Youth 4-H Horse Program. Additionally, Carter contributes to youth efforts in beef extension through VTBeef programming, supports the Virginia 4-H Dairy Youth Program, advises the Block and Bridle club, delivers Beef Quality Assurance certification training, participates in cattle working contests, and serves on committees for the Virginia State 4-H Horse Show.

Prior to her current position, Carter worked as an Extension 4-H agent in Botetourt County, developing a dynamic youth program with local and statewide impact. There, she led the statewide youth quality assurance program and was a key member of the leadership team for 4-H livestock activities across Virginia. As a product of the Virginia 4-H program herself—having participated as a member, parent, volunteer, and leader—Carter brings personal insight to her work. She credits 4-H with teaching her essential life skills including responsibility, resilience, decision-making, and public speaking. In her role, Carter prioritizes listening to parents, agents, and volunteers to improve program delivery, ensuring youth participants learn, grow, and enjoy animal science experiences while building foundational skills for future success.