Dietetics Program Earns Half-Dozen Awards at State Meeting
| Three faculty members and three students in the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences’ (UAMS) dietetics program took home awards from the Arkansas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Annual Meeting and Exhibits, held April 30–May 1 in Arkadelphia.
Arkansas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics President Danya Arnold, right, presents to Lesley Jones the Outstanding Dietitian of the Year award.
The Master of Science in Dietetics Program is housed within the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition in the UAMS College of Health Professions.
Faculty member Jennifer Clampitt, DCN, RD, LD, was selected as the Emerging Dietetic Leader. Her nomination letter stated she exemplifies the qualities sought for the honor: clinical excellence, sustained association involvement, proven leadership, and a clear commitment to improving population health.
Alumna Hayley Stewart, M.S., RD, LD, was recognized as the Young Dietitian of the Year. Her nomination letter cited the high quality of her work in clinical nutrition at Baptist Health and the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, along with her consulting work for the Union Rescue Mission and school food service programs.
Faculty member and alumna Lesley Jones, M.S., RD, LD, was honored as the Outstanding Dietitian of the Year. Jones serves on the academy’s board and volunteers as its public policy coordinator.
Student Christopher Mayfield won the Outstanding Poster Presentation award.
“Last year, we worked hard to get the Dietitian Compact moved forward in the state of Arkansas, which will make it easier for dietitians to practice telehealth across state lines once this compact gets implemented,” Jones said. “So, it was a big accomplishment for our profession. We worked with our state legislature, and I was excited to be a part of that effort by Arkansas dietitians to get it passed.”
Faculty member Jennifer Clampitt, right, receives the Emerging Dietetic Leader from Danya Arnold.
Courtney Fose, M.S., RDN, LD, director of the Master of Science in Dietetics Program and an assistant professor in the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, said Jones also consistently earns high marks from students for her teaching.
The academy chose Sydney Gambelin as the Outstanding Dietetic Student of the Year. Her nominator wrote that “Sydney is an exceptional student whose academic dedication, clinical experience, leadership, and commitment to community health distinguish her as an outstanding candidate.”
Student Christopher Mayfield won the Outstanding Poster Presentation award. Fose said the award highlights the caliber of his research.
“Dr. Lisa Jansen provided mentorship on his project, and it
Sydney Gambelin, right, receives the Outstanding Dietetic Student of the Year award.
was also recognized at our UAMS Student Research Day,” Fose said. “Christopher will travel to Washington D.C. next month to present at the American Society of Nutrition meeting. Our department is extremely proud of his outstanding work.”
Incoming student Kaitlin Hobbs was named a Dietetic Internship Scholarship recipient.
Incoming student Kaitlin Hobbs, left, was named a Dietetic Internship Scholarship recipient.
“Working alongside such dedicated faculty and students who represent the future of our profession is truly an honor,” Fose said. “These students will be leaders in our field throughout the state, and I’m privileged to be part of their journey. My message to every student is simple — ‘excel in the specialty area that captures your passion.’ We encourage our students to embrace their individuality and pursue their highest aspirations.”
“This is the first time in 30 years that most of the state awards were received by our faculty, students and alumni of program,” said Reza Hakkak, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition. “I am proud of all of the accomplishments that our faculty and students received. We hope that we continue this for more years to come.”