By Andi Anderson
Abby Boysen has been selected as the new regional director for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, serving Clinton, Muscatine, and Scott counties. She will begin her new role on October 1, 2026, and will provide administrative leadership to county extension office staff while offering guidance and support to local extension councils.
Boysen brings significant experience in extension programming, education, and community engagement. Since 2024, she has served as regional director for Benton, Cedar, and Jones counties, where she worked closely with county staff, councils, and community partners. Her experience in leadership and program management has prepared her for this expanded role within Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
Before becoming a regional director, Boysen worked as a 4-H Youth Program Field Specialist and served as a program assistant for the “Buy. Eat. Live Healthy.” program in Louisa County. These positions helped her gain valuable experience in youth development, community education, and outreach initiatives that benefit individuals and families across Iowa.
Her professional background also includes educational roles with the Stanley Foundation and the Bettendorf Children's Museum. In these positions, she helped create opportunities for learning and engagement through a variety of educational programs and community activities.
In addition, Boysen owned and operated a music and dance academy, where she managed daily operations, developed educational programming, and built partnerships that expanded learning opportunities for young people. Her work reflected a strong commitment to experiential learning, creativity, leadership development, and community collaboration.
Andrea Welchans, Assistant Vice President for ISU Extension and Outreach, praised Boysen’s qualifications and leadership abilities. Welchans stated, “Abby has valuable experience providing fiscal and personnel oversight, strategic planning and operational guidance to county staff and councils. She is skilled in supporting county offices through transitions and fostering collaboration among a variety of stakeholders. We congratulate her and look forward to her continuing success.”
Boysen earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa and later completed a master’s degree in Family and Consumer Sciences with a focus on Youth Development from Iowa State University. Her academic background complements her extensive experience working with educational and community-based programs.
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is part of the nationwide Cooperative Extension System, which connects land-grant universities and the U.S. Department of Agriculture with local communities. Through county extension councils and educational programs, the organization supports learning, leadership development, agriculture, family wellbeing, and community growth throughout Iowa.
With her diverse experience and strong leadership background, Boysen is expected to play a key role in strengthening extension services and supporting communities across eastern Iowa.
Photo Credit: iowa-state-university
Categories: Iowa, Education