- March 2018
4-H Agent
MSU Extension Service
Madison County
Years in Position: 10
Years at MSU: 10
Gregory Biggs’ joy for serving young people began in 1981 during his time in seminary. Today, he engages this passion through the Mississippi State University Extension Service as a 4-H agent.
Biggs supports Madison County 4-H’ers through developing practical leadership, communication, and professional skills. Children ranging from 8 to 18 years old have opportunities to hone in on their specific interests through activities like livestock exhibits, shooting sports, horse shows, robotics, district and state agricultural competitions, and the Mississippi State Fair.
His 4-H knowledge stems from an extensive agricultural background. Raised on what he called a “weekend farm,” skills in livestock and agriculture are not new to Biggs. Later, during his undergraduate career at Texas Tech University, he was a member of Farmhouse Fraternity. Ultimately, his agriculture upbringing and seminary education perfectly shaped him for his current profession -- one where the children he teaches leave with better scholarships, impressive resumes and stronger characters.
“When the Extension job opened up, I felt like it was a great fit,” Biggs said. “I’ve always worked with kids. It’s a calling.”
One of Biggs’ favorite aspects of 4-H is the relationships it fosters between young people and their communities.
“We host monthly meetings for clubs like ‘Leadership Skills that Last a Lifetime’ and lunches where volunteers and parents are invited to eat with 4-H’ers,” Biggs said. “This gives parents and students from different areas a chance to meet.”
Apart from 4-H, Biggs plays sports -- especially baseball, basketball, football and golf. He loves spending time with his wife of 31 years, June, and their three children, Austin, Hope and Alex.