Following a 20-year career with the United States Border Patrol, New Mexico State University graduate Jaime Castillo has returned to serve as the department head for 4-H Youth Development in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.
Castillo previously worked for NMSU’s Cooperative Extension Service as an Extension specialist and 4-H agent in Otero County prior to his tenure with USBP.
“Jaime will bring a breadth of experiences that are needed to lead 4-H in New Mexico,” said Jon Boren, ACES associate dean and Cooperative Extension Service director. “He will be a valued member of the CES leadership team.”
After retiring as an assistant chief patrol agent in west Texas from the USBP, Castillo began his new role April 1.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to return to NMSU,” Castillo said. “A major part of the opportunities given to me and my family is due to our education and association with NMSU. I have the full support of my family, and we are ready to give back to help elevate and extend the benefits of 4-H programming to all youth in New Mexico, corner to corner.”
Youth in New Mexico have participated in 4-H since 1912. The program is available in all 33 counties. In 2023, more than 4,700 New Mexico youth participated in community 4-H clubs and more than 30,000 were reached through special interest and school enrichment programming areas.
As department head, Castillo’s goals for 4-H include enhancing training and development opportunities for 4-H personnel and agents; fostering greater collaboration between the State 4-H office and county 4-H agents; expanding resources to reach new audiences; and increasing college and universitywide support for 4-H programming.
“The first month has been great and extremely fast-paced,” Castillo said. “Reconnecting with former colleagues, making new acquaintances and discussing opportunities for 4-H program collaborations throughout the state, country and internationally is exciting to me.”
Castillo earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at NMSU and Ph.D. at Ohio State University in agricultural education.
To learn more about 4-H in New Mexico, visit https://nm4h.nmsu.edu.