Press Release for Friday, May 21, 2010

UNF Nutrition Professor Wins National Dietetic Education Award

Joanna Norris, Assistant Director

Department of Media Relations and Events

(904) 620-2102

Dr. Catherine Christie, chair of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics and Graduate Program director in the Brooks College of Health at the University of North Florida, was selected to receive the American Dietetic Association’s national Excellence in Practice Award in Dietetic Education, the only one of its kind in America each year.

This award recognizes an outstanding registered dietitian who has demonstrated excellence and leadership in dietetic education. Christie, a Southside resident, will receive her award at the 2010 Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo in Boston this fall.

“The Brooks College of Health is fortunate to have Dr. Cathie Christie as department chair and a professor. Her energy and professionalism sets the standard for our college. She not only motivates and inspires our students but also our fellow faculty members,” said Dr. Pam Chally, dean of the Brooks College of Health at UNF.

Christie, a UNF faculty member since 2001, conducts research on nutrition and obesity prevention as well as effective weight management. She is past president of the Florida Dietetic Association and serves as an at-large delegate in the American Dietetic Association House of Delegates and on the Professional Development Committee.

She is the co-author of four nutrition books, including “The Latino Food Lover’s Glossary,” “Fat is Not Your Fate,” “I’d Kill for a Cookie” and “Eat to Stay Young.” Additionally, she serves as editor of the “Florida Dietetic Association Manual of Medical Nutrition Therapy,” which is updated and published each year.

A registered dietitian and Fellow of the American Dietetic Association, Christie earned her Ph.D. from Florida State University and served for six years as the chairman of the Dietetics and Nutrition Council, which regulates the nutrition profession in the state of Florida.

She is the recipient of several awards, including Florida’s Distinguished Dietitian, Florida Dietetic Association Outstanding Service Award, American Dietetic Association Outstanding Dietetic Educator Award and the Brooks College of Health Teaching Award. She is also certified as a nutrition specialist and in adult weight management as well as child and adolescent weight management.

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