WKU News

Calicia Smith, a senior from Harrodsburg, KY, graduates this December with a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management and Dietetics, an important step on her journey to becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. 

Smith credits WKU for providing a host of hands-on learning experiences and opportunities to make valuable connections in her field. 

“I chose my degree because dietetics lets me witness the profound impact of food on individuals both in sickness and in health,” Smith explained. “WKU gave me the chance to work through obstacles and stay disciplined through hard times. I made meaningful connections that opened opportunities and allowed me to give back to my community.”

 Smith serves as the food safety coordinator for WKU’s chapter of the Food Recovery Network (FRN). The organization regularly recovers food from campus restaurants with the goal of reducing food waste on campus and in the community while feeding people in need in Bowling Green.  

“I teach students the proper way to pick up foods at various campus locations,” Smith said. “The FRN is a student-led organization that stops food waste by recovering foods that would go to waste and donating to nonprofit organizations and churches.”

“I am passionate about stopping food waste and hunger and teaching people the importance of food. Our chapter donates to local nonprofits like Hope House, The Salvation Army and First Christian Church. All food gets stored at the WKU Office of Sustainability.” 

At the beginning of each semester, Smith trains volunteers on food safety including the importance of washing hands, avoiding cross contamination, kitchen safety and transportation. 

“Teaching about transportation is important because we don’t want foods to get out of their safe temperature zones. At the beginning of the semester, I have a club meeting and present a Kahoot on food and kitchen safety.”

As an undergraduate, Smith completed two sports nutrition internships, including an internship at University of Louisville last summer. This fall, she worked for WKU Football. She said both experiences helped her hone skills in running a nutrition center. 

“Last summer, I shadowed many dietitians and other professionals, such as chefs, athletic trainers, coaches and operation directors,” Smith said. “I was able to see the impact dietitians have on athletes in the sports world. I learned that it optimizes their health, performance and overall well-being.” 

“As a sports nutrition intern for WKU Football, I help run a fuel station for the student-athletes. A fuel station provides a variety of foods to help athletes fuel and refuel pre and post workout. It is a convenient source that helps them perform optimally and recover quickly. It also teaches the importance of food and how it affects performance. It usually consists of things like fresh fruits, PB&J, trail mix, yogurt, protein shakes, smoothies and many more options.” 

Another highlight of Smith’s WKU experience is her involvement with the WKU Intercultural Student Engagement Center. Smith started in the ISEC Academy as a freshman. She then served as a navigator during her sophomore, junior and senior years.  

“They sculpted me into a leader, and it gave me the opportunity to be a mentor to others. I’ve also created meaningful friendships through ISEC. Events they throw always gave me something to do on campus rather than being cooped up in the dorm!” 

Smith also participated in undergraduate research at WKU studying the relationship between athletes/bodybuilders and dietitians. 

“My research exposed that many athletes and body builders don’t use dietitians due to the cost, because they don’t see the need of one, or don’t know where to find one. It also revealed that people know Registered Dietitian Nutritionists are the experts, but many would rather use social media, a source that they don’t deem credible, because of easy access, as well as do their own research and conduct trial and error to see if the information works for them,” Smith said.   

Last month, Smith traveled to Denver to present her research at the Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo. 

“It was so fun and informative. I honestly was shocked at how many people read about my research and approached me to ask questions. I even got suggestions to continue my research to see the difference between schools with established nutrition programs versus ones without them. Although this research was stressful, it was rewarding to see the amount of interest and how others could use it to apply their research to their future studies. I learned that there are endless opportunities as a dietitian and tips to insert ideas into a nutrition program on campus.” 

Serving as a student worker in the Downing Student Union Operations Office also had a positive impact on Smith’s WKU experience. 

“I’ve been working for them my whole time here on the Hill, and they've always showed me the most love and support!” Smith said.

In addition to her role in the Downing Student Union Operations Office, Smith also works as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Bowling Green Nursing and Rehab and plans to continue working in that role until she begins a master’s program next fall.  

“I have not decided yet which program I will pursue, but I have it narrowed down to degrees in exercise science, kinesiology, healthcare administration and nursing,” Smith said. “With the upcoming changes that will require all RDNs to hold a master’s degree, I’ve been thinking about what program would enhance my experience and practice as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. One day I could be a nurse, and the next I could be a dietitian. I hate limiting myself, so I love seeking opportunities and expanding my knowledge, which makes life more fun and enjoyable.”

For more information about earning a degree in Hospitality Management and Dietetics with a concentration in Dietetics and Nutrition, visit https://www.wku.edu/ahs/dietetics/.

#WKUGrad series: As part of our #WKUGrad series, articles on graduating students are shared in the weeks leading up to Fall Recognition Ceremonies. See all of their stories at https://www.wku.edu/news/articles/index.php?view=default&categoryid=799&multinewsid=187

-WKU-

Western Kentucky University prides itself on positioning its students, faculty and staff for long term success. As a student-centered, applied research university, WKU helps students expand on classroom learning by integrating education with real-world applications in the communities we serve. Our hilltop campus is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, which was recently named by Reader’s Digest as one of the nicest towns in America, just an hour’s drive from Nashville, Tennessee.