Family, Youth and Community Sciences

Dr. Kate Fogarty-Read

Associate Professor & Youth Development Specialist

Florida Youth State Survey Working Group

Dr. Fogarty smiles in front of a tree.

Contact Information

kfogarty@ufl.edu

(352) 273-3527

Office:

3014-D McCarty Hall D

Education
- Ph.D. Human Development & Family Science, University of Georgia
- M.S. Human Development & Family Science, University of Georgia
- B.A. Psychology, University of Rochester

Professional Experience
- Graduate Coordinator: Family, Youth and Community Sciences M.S. On-Campus and Online Programs; Youth Development and Family Sciences Ph.D. On-Campus Program, 2020-2025
- Associate Professor, Family, Youth and Community Sciences, University of Florida, 2011-Present
- Assistant Professor, Family, Youth and Community Sciences, University of Florida, 2005-2011
- Teaching Graduate Assistant, Human Development and Family Science, University of Georgia, 1998-2004

Research

Dr. Kate Fogarty’s research entails examining predictors of youth thriving as well as risk or problematic behaviors. Within the positive youth development (PYD) approach, her work elucidates the process by which developmental contexts in support of youth, particularly the extent to which organizations support youths’ sense of belonging, produce intermediary indicators of thriving and PYD outcomes such as connection and contribution to one’s community (2 of Richard Lerner’s 6 Cs). Transcendent awareness or sense of awe, defined as one’s appreciation for a larger entity operating beyond one’s immediacy, is a key thriving indicator motivating youths’ sense of connection to one another (Arnold & Gagnon, 2020) and a shared larger purpose. Connection translates into collective efficacy in the form of meaningful community contribution (namely, addressing challenges and meeting needs). Kate’s resilience research follows a practical quantitative approach, supported by years of work and models described by Ann Masten (2015 in Ordinary Magic) wherein protective and promotive factors are identified to buffer or offset youth risks and adversities for predicting internalizing (e.g., depression) and externalizing (e.g., delinquency) problems. Ultimately, PYD research necessitates examination of predictors of both sides of the coin: maladaptive and resilience-based developmental outcomes (Lerner & Lerner, 2010).

Extension

Kate Fogarty’s Extension program is titled, Building Youth Resilience through Relationship. Resilience is a matter of one’s capacity to access protective factors operating at individual, relational, and community levels. That capacity promotes a youth’s ability to develop successfully, i.e., to achieve relevant milestones in life and accomplish stage-salient developmental tasks. My program follows the classic 4-H program and curriculum structure starting with the individual and emanating outward: (1) a primary level focus on self-knowledge or relationship with oneself (mindfulness, spirituality); (2) a secondary level of extending knowledge about themselves into their immediate relationships and social circles (mentoring, volunteers’ contribution to youth development); and (3) a tertiary (final) level of involvement in the community and taking the knowledge and life skills gained in their program into civic and community engagement (transcendent awareness, and the 2 Cs of 6 in PYD – connection and contribution). This final level reflects youth development in community settings (Eccles & Gootman, 2003) with the sixth C or long-term positive youth development outcome of positive contribution to one’s surroundings (Lerner & Lerner, 2010). Finally, pinpointing negative predictors of problematic youth outcomes to identify protective and promotive factors (aka assets), translates into actionable areas to promote (e.g., facilitating positive childhood experiences) positive youth development.

Publications

ORCID

Awards and Honors
- June 2025 (Applied). North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) Educator Award.
- October 2020. Meritorious Service Award. National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals (NAE4-HYDP)/Florida Association of Extension 4-H Agents (FAE4-HA). Awarded for 15 years of service to Florida 4-H.
- May 2020. Graduate Teacher/Advisor of the Year Award (2019-2020). University of Florida, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (UF/CALS).
- April 2016. Student Organization Advisor of the Year Involvement Award. University of Florida, Student Activities and Involvement, Division of Student Affairs.
- April 2016. Outstanding Professional Development Program (For UF Collegiate 4-H Student Organization). UF, Student Activities and Involvement, Division of Student Affairs.

Other Professional Activities
Training/ Professional Development
- Fall 2024 - Spring 2025: University of Florida Leadership Academy
  - Facilitator: Irma Alvarez
- Fall 2023: University of Florida Inspiring Women Leaders Conference, How to Lead Like a Woman: Finding and Expanding Your Unique Voice
  - Facilitator: Jennifer Webb
- Spring 2022: University of Florida College of Agricultural & Life Sciences (UF/CALS) Mentoring Academy, mentoring graduate students
  - Facilitator: Dr. Heather McAuslane
- Spring 2022: Youth Mental Health First Aid, Online
  - Facilitators: Dr. Vanessa Spero, Brent Broaddus
- Spring 2020: Question Persuade Refer (QPR): Gateway suicide prevention training, University of Florida
  - Facilitator: Dr. Srishyama Vempaty