BETH BIRNSTIHL, PhD
Associate Dean
Cooperative Extension Division
211 Agricultural Hall
University of Nebraska at Lincoln
Lincoln, Nebraska 68583-0703
(402) 472-2966

Biography

Beth Birnstihl is the Associate Dean of Cooperative Extension, University of Nebraska and 4-H Program Administrator. Her extension career began in 1971 as an Extension Agent for Saline, Seward and Jefferson counties in Nebraska. She has served in several district and state leadership roles for University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension. Dr. Birnstihl's degrees are from the University of Nebraska. She received her PhD in 1987 in the Interdisciplinary Program of Community and Human Resources, her MS in 1975 in the Department of Adult Education and her BS in 1971 in the College of Home Economics.

Dr. Birnstihl is the recipient of the 2004-2005 Holling Family Award for Teaching Excellence in Agriculture and Natural Resources for Senior Faculty. Areas of research interest include the needs of teenagers and middle school children, gerontology-needs of aging Nebraskans, and the needs of working poor families.

Dr. Birnstihl has been co-chair of the National Science & Technology 4-H Program Team, Leadership Advisory Committee, Extension Committee on Organization Policy (ECOP), co-led the development of a new advocacy group for UNL--the Family, Youth and Community Partners, and co-found Technologies Across Nebraska--a partnership of over 40 agencies and organizations promoting broadband access and usage in non-metropolitan communities of Nebraska. She has also been inducted into the Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievements (NHAA).

Research Projects