Mildred Fizer, the nation’s first female state 4-H leader, shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for future generations of women to take on leadership roles around the country.

The West Virginia University Extension and 4-H communities are deeply saddened to share the news of Fizer’s passing on Nov. 28 at the age of 104.

Fizer, a long-time Morgantown resident and native of Culloden, West Virginia, was known for saying that someone had to go first, so that’s what she did. Her pioneering spirit defined her remarkable career and life.

“Mildred created an incredible legacy for 4-H youth programming around the state,” Jorge Atiles, associate vice president and dean of the WVU Division for Land-Grant Engagement, said. “She was a true inspiration for all of us.”

After beginning her career as a teacher, Fizer became a Cabell County 4-H agent in 1946, where she enjoyed working with youth in the program. Twenty years later, she would make history as program director of West Virginia’s state 4-H program – the first woman in the nation to do so. She also was the first female to be named to the National 4-H Foundation Board of Directors.

Under her leadership, the West Virginia 4-H program grew from 35,000 to 55,000. Fizer would often visit county camps around the state, something she enjoyed doing. She also was an advocate for higher education, and she established the Mildred Fizer 4-H Scholarship, which is presented to a West Virginia 4-H’er during their freshman year at WVU.

Fizer, who retired from WVU in 1979, received numerous awards and accolades throughout her lifetime, including the National 4-H Hall of Fame, Distinguished Service Citation from the National Association of Extension Agents, WVU Order of Vandalia, 2020 West Virginia Living Wonder Woman, West Virginia Agriculture & Forestry Hall of Fame, Citation of Commendation from the USDA, and Distinguished Mountaineer from Governor Jim Justice.

Visitation will be held at the McCulla Funeral Home on Thursday, Dec. 4, from 11 a.m. until the funeral service at 1 p.m. Private burial will be held at a later date. At the family’s request, donations can be made in Fizer’s memory to the West Virginia 4-H program through the WVU Foundation at give.wvu.edu/MildredFizer. Online condolences may be sent to the family at McCulla.com.