r. Eddie L. Locklear, director of the National 4-H After-school Program and Extension associate professor in the Department of 4-H and Youth Development, was honored in February at a retirement luncheon.

Colleagues, family and friends gathered at the McSwain Center at JC Raulston Arboretum to celebrate his career with 4-H and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Locklear holds a 1975 bachelor’s degree in biology from Pembroke State University and a 1981 master’s degree and a 1992 doctorate from N.C. State in adult and community college education.

He has served as director of the National 4-H Afterschool Program since July 2002. He previously was Department Extension Leader for 4-H, 1995-2002; Extension 4-H specialist, 4-H Youth Development, 1987-95; and Extension 4-H agent for Robeson County, 1978-82.