Agricultural Hall of Fame - THOMAS EVERETT BROWNE

THOMAS EVERETT BROWNE
March 17, 1881 - August 27, 1965

Innovator and pioneer in farm-youth movements, Thomas E. Browne not only led in establishing the 4-H Club movement and the national Future Farmers of America but also shepherded North Carolina's vocational education program into a significant factor in the public school curriculum. He was born in Murfreesboro, attended Winton Academy and received his A.B. magna cum laude from Wake Forest College. He received his M.S. from Columbia University and combined teaching with farm demonstration work in his early career.

In 1918 he became director of Vocational Education for North Carolina and professor of education at North Carolina State College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts, (now North Carolina State University), later becoming dean of that school's Education Department. He served in both capacities simultaneously until his retirement in 1946. In 1948 he was awarded the honorary degree of doctor of vocational education by North Carolina State University. During his tenure as Director of Vocational Education, enrollment in all phases of the state's program grew immeasurably.

He was president of the National Association of State Directors of Vocational Education in 1940; was named Man of the Year in Service to Agriculture by the State Farm Bureau in 1944; received the North Carolina State Grange Distinguished Service Recognition in 1946; was given honorary membership in the National Association of Teachers of Agriculture in 1953; was elected Honorary American Farmer in 1955; and the same year was cited for meritorious service by the Southern Regional Conference of Teachers, Supervisors and Teacher Trainers in Vocational Agriculture. He maintained a life-long interest in and affection for young people. Tangible evidence that his feelings were reciprocated is the Tom Browne Camp in western North Carolina, property of the North Carolina Association of the Future Farmers of America.

Elected to the North Carolina
AGRICULTURAL HALL OF FAME
1966