Charles Austin “C. A.” Vines

Charles Austin “C. A.” Vines was best known throughout the state as the Director of University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, a post he held from 1952 through 1974. Mr. Vines worked in almost every possible capacity within Extension. He served as Assistant County Extension Agent in St. Francis County in 1934, County Agent in Calhoun and Drew Counties from 1935 to 1938, Extension Agronomist and Cotton Specialist from 1938 to 1943, District Agent from 1943 to 1951, and Assistant Director until named Director in 1952. This work carried him into rural and urban homes and organizations in every county in the state. After his retirement from the University Mr. Vines served as Executive Director of the Arkansas 4-H Foundation. His work in the Foundation allowed him to consolidate the support necessary to build the Arkansas 4-H Educational Center, which hosts conferences, short courses, and seminars. Adult groups, as well as youth, enjoy the facilities located on 228 acres about 10 miles west of Little Rock. (Characteristically, Mr. Vines contributed his salary to the Center, and he and his wife, Joye, contributed over $30,000 for additional rooms and acreage at the Center.) Mr. Vines has received numerous recognitions and awards for his contributions. The following are some of the most notable. In 1954 he was named Arkansas 1954 Man of the Year in Agriculture by Progressive Farmer magazine for his contributions to agriculture. In 1960 he was presented the Superior Service Award by the Secretary of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture. In 1961 he was cited by the University of Arkansas as a Distinguished Alumnus. In 1967 he was presented the Distinguished Service Ruby Award by Epsilon Sigma Phi, the national honorary Extension fraternity. Mr. Vines ability was recognized by his peers at the national level. He served as secretary and chairman of the prestigious Extension Committee on Organization and Policy (ECOP). He was a member of the 1958 ECOP subcommittee that developed a national report on the scope of responsibility used as a guide by State Extension Services. In addition to his commitment to agriculture Mr. Vines has been active in civic, church and community affairs.