The College of Human Ecology is constantly developing new ways to integrate research and provide students a transformational educational experience. One such transformation will take place this fall as two departments reorganize to enhance student success.
The college is forming a new department that combines its degree programs in dietetics with the existing academic programs in the department of human nutrition. The hospitality management program will separately form its own department. This change was recently approved by the Kansas Board of Regents, and will be implemented fall 2015.
Formerly, dietetics was a degree program within the department of hospitality management and dietetics. The newly organized department has yet to be officially renamed and will operate for the time being with the previous departmental name, human nutrition. The hospitality management programs will operate in a department now known as the Department of Hospitality Management.
John Buckwalter, dean of the College of Human Ecology, said reorganizing these academic programs allows for innovation and growth now and in the future.
“These changes will benefit our students, our research and the people our graduates will serve in the future,” Buckwalter said. “Additionally, the new department, comprised of dietetics and the existing programs in human nutrition, will strengthen the university’s reputation in training health and pre-health professionals in the state.”
Mark Haub, professor and department head of the current human nutrition department, said while his department currently teaches some dietetics courses, students and key faculty members were housed in different departments.
“Being in the same department will establish more efficient communication and better enable us to work together, ensuring students are being provided the best possible learning environment,” Haub said. “Our dietetics, health, nutrition, sensory analysis and consumer behavior students will be in the same unit, making it easier to offer targeted research, study abroad opportunities and more.”
The new department will create an environment where all food and health programs will better prepare students to excel in careers as dietitians, nutrition scientists, physicians, athletic trainers and more. While there may be no immediate visible changes within the department, Haub said students will soon notice more integration of concepts from each discipline.
“Because of enhanced communication, faculty will be more cognizant of issues in other disciplines that pertain to students in their classes, providing a deeper understanding in the broader areas of food and health,” he said.
Dietetics faculty members agree that the new alignment will streamline communication regarding degree options, advising and achieving career goals. Students will continue to find opportunities to work and research within the new department, and related student groups will continue to collaborate.
Kevin Sauer, associate professor of dietetics, said the new department also will further integrate the strengths of existing programs and provide a robust and highly focused academic experience for students.
“It’s important to provide a seamless approach to education to prepare students for internships and careers,” Sauer said. “The dietetics and human nutrition programs share several core values that are vital for student development. Both programs prepare graduates to be leaders in the food and nutrition sector by integrating theory, experience and research.”
The new hospitality management department will continue to offer existing degree programs. However, reorganizing hospitality management as a stand-alone unit allows for greater flexibility and innovation as the department strives to deliver an optimal educational experience to students.
Melody LeHew, interim department head of the new hospitality management department, said faculty and staff are preparing for the transition by formulating a new strategic direction, revising curriculum, exploring opportunities to increase student access to labs, and seeking new partnerships. LeHew added that the goal is to substantially increase student enrollment throughout the next five years.
Kevin Roberts, associate professor of hospitality management and dietetics and undergraduate program director, said as the only four-year hospitality management program in Kansas accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Management, the department will continue its determination to excel.
“The new strategic direction will provide all students with cutting-edge educational experiences,” said Roberts. “Both undergraduate and graduate students will be positioned to be highly sought after by industry and academia.”
The departments of human nutrition and hospitality management and dietetics are committed to honoring the legacy of the many alumni who have supported the departments through their vision, leadership, service and more.
