STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Dean Jousan helps the Mississippi Cattlemen’s Association select the annual winner of its Paul F. Newell Award, which honors an outstanding Mississippi State University Extension agent for serving in Extension’s 4-H livestock program.

This year, some of those recipients came back to present that award to Jousan. And that’s not the only recognition he has received lately for his work. The 4-H livestock specialist for MSU Extension was also recognized by the American Youth Horse Council, or AYHC, during its annual symposium with its distinguished service award.

Jousan was also re-elected to the AYHC board of directors. He was first elected to serve in 2013 and is currently wrapping up a two-year term as board president. He has also served as treasurer and as vice president on the council’s executive committee.

The AYHC is a national nonprofit organization that provides leadership and resources to youth equestrians.

Jousan said AYHC gives professionals the tools and resources to engage the youth they work with locally using a horse as their teaching model.

“We believe youths who engage with horses grow in leadership and life skills. By empowering adults who teach the youth about horses and connecting these adults with resources, we are fostering a thriving horse industry,” Jousan said. “It is exciting and encouraging to see the youth attend each year and become more confident as the week progresses. In my opinion, the annual AYHC symposium is the best return on investment for any youth or adult interested in horses.”