NEWLY-OPENED ARCHER DIETETICS FOOD LAB TO

As the name indicates, the new Archer Dietetics Foods Lab— named after Bob and Jan Archer, who funded a large portion of the $900,000 project—will benefit the dietetics program at Ashland University. But it should also be a positive for the rest of the university see when they get into a professional dietetics field is a significant advantage, according to Reed. “We will give (students) experiential learning,” she said.

Many other academic programs are interested in utilizing the space as well. A lab component for hospitality classes may be added, the physician assistant program is interested in doing some nutrition classes and Vanata noted that “sport management majors want to minor in (dietetics).” and the greater Ashland community.

The new lab coincides with the 10th graduating class of AU’s dietetics program, a program that has quickly developed a remarkable reputation.

“We envision using this space for other things because it’s not all about dietetics,” Denise Reed, director of AU’s dietetics program, said while giving an overview of the 2,000-square-foot renovation with the other full-time dietetics faculty member, David Vanata.

The new lab opened at the start of the fall semester on the lower level of the John C. Myers Convocation Center in the former Accent Room space. The facility has eight instructional stations, a teaching station, flexible preparation tables and a sizable pantry area.

The ability to teach students in a space utilizing equipment they will

“We’ve always known that we’ve had strong graduates,” Vanata said. “The schools (our grads) are doing internships at are top-notch programs and they are asking for our students to sign up. All the other places (with dietetics graduate programs and internships) regionally know about us and respect our students.”

With more jobs than dietitians to fill them, the dietetics field is growing and having a new state-of-the-art foods lab should help AU and its dietetics program thrive.

“Nutrition education is in demand,” Vanata said. “Nutrition touches every aspect of life.”