Lacie Peterson Named a Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Lacie Peterson, clinical associate professor in the Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Sciences (NDFS) has been named a fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND).

Fellowship status from the academy is achieved by a culmination of education, research, preceptorship, collaboration and service. Recipients must live the academy’s values of customer focus, integrity, innovation and social responsibility.

“It’s always a pleasure to have hard work recognized and appreciated,” Peterson said. “I strive to be a role model to my students as they are beginning their careers and I believe that active service in professional organizations provides opportunities and benefits that bring more engagement and satisfaction to the work we do.”

Peterson graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science and health and a master’s degree in nutrition. She came to USU as a student preceptor for NDFS dietetics interns while also working as a clinician and loved working with students.

“The dietetic internship program is the largest of its kind in the Western United States,” Peterson said. “When a position in the program opened, I decided that I should apply, and the rest is history!”

Peterson joined USU’s faculty in 2013, and now directs the dietetic internship program, working with students to gain the hands-on training necessary to be eligible to take the National Registration Examination for Dietitians. In 2014, Peterson was named an Emerging Dietetic Leader by the Utah Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The American Association of Diabetes Educators named Peterson the Diabetes Educator of the Year in 2015 and awarded her Fellowship Status in 2018. Last year, Peterson won the Teaching Award of Merit from the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture.

“After working with Lacie for the past five years, it isn’t surprising that she has achieved fellowship status from the AND,” said Nikki Kendrick, clinical assistant professor of the dietetic internship. “She gives her best to her students, the dietetic internship and her colleagues. Lacie is an outstanding example, and I have personally benefitted from her drive to succeed. The USU dietetic internship is fortunate to have someone so dedicated to the success of the program.”

Peterson is currently working on integrating the dietetic internship and the Master of Dietetics Administration to allow students to complete both their supervised practice and master’s degree in one program.

“I would like to thank a few people for their help in my journey,” Peterson said. “Thanks to Nikki, Maria, Moani, Martha and Dave for always going along with my next crazy idea or innovation.”