Shelly Nickols-Richardson Named
President of American Association of
Family & Consumer Sciences
(Alexandria, Va. - June 26, 2008) — Shelly Nickols-Richardson, PhD, RD, associate professor of nutritional sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, was named president of the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) at the recent AAFCS 99th Annual Conference & Expo in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In a formal installation ceremony, Nickols-Richardson and other AAFCS officers for the fiscal year 2008-2009 were officially sworn in by Past President Bonnie Braun, CFCS, before an audience of nearly 900 members and other conference participants.
“As AAFCS celebrates its Centennial Year, we will reflect on our rich history of bettering social conditions, and we will ardently continue our leadership in research, public policy, and professional development for improving the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities,” said Nickols-Richardson. “Our next century of action will be remarkable.”
An active and dedicated AAFCS member, Nickols-Richardson has held numerous AAFCS leadership roles. She has served as AAFCS president-elect; director-at-large and vice president of development; Journal of Family & Consumer Sciences associate editor; member of the AAFCS Membership, Development, and Awards and Recognition Committees; secretary/treasurer of the AAFCS Nutrition, Health and Food Management Division; and treasurer of the Virginia Association of Family & Consumer Sciences. Nickols-Richardson has received many awards,
including the AAFCS New Achievers award in recognition of her potential to make significant
contributions to the family and consumer sciences profession.
During her 20 years of professional experience, Nickols-Richardson has worked as a clinical dietitian, and later clinical section chief of dietetics service, at the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Missouri, director of the didactic program in dietetics at Virginia Tech, associate professor of human nutrition, foods and exercise at Virginia Tech, and associate professor of nutritional sciences at Penn State. She has conducted research and published extensively in the areas of food, dietetics, and nutrition, with a focus on the impact of weight loss, weight loss diets, and restrained eating on bone mineral density and bone metabolism and how resistance training affects bone mineral density, bone quality, and bone metabolism across the life span. Nickols-Richardson has participated in grant-funded projects totaling more than $1 million.
Nickols-Richardson earned a bachelor’s degree in food, nutrition and institutional administration (now called nutritional sciences) from Oklahoma State University and a master’s and doctoral degree in foods and nutrition from The University of Georgia.
Other officers for the 2008-2009 fiscal year are Marilyn R. Swierk, CFCS, president-elect; Jean Hanson Knaak, CFCS, treasurer; Susan S. Shockey, CFCS, director of affiliates; Sue Buck, CFCS, director-at-large; M. Virginia Richards, CFCS, director-at-large; Kay M. Wilder, CFCS, director-at-large; Megan L. Pritchett, Student Unit chair; Bonnie Braun, CFCS, past president; and Carolyn W. Jackson, CFCS, ex-officio, executive director.
About AAFCS
Founded in 1909, AAFCS is the only national not-for-profit
501 (c)(3) organization providing leadership and support
to FCS students and professionals in multiple practice
settings. FCS professionals help individuals, families,
and communities make informed decisions about their
well-being, relationships, and resources to achieve
optimal quality of life. AAFCS’ 7,000 members are
elementary, secondary, and post-secondary educators,
researchers, and administrators; Cooperative Extension
educators; and other professionals in business and
industry, not-for-profit organizations, and government.
With national headquarters based in Alexandria, Va.,
AAFCS has 52 affiliates located across the United
States and Puerto Rico.
Interviews/Quotes
For more information or to schedule an interview,
contact Gwynn Mason at 703-706-4600, ext. 4621, or
gmason@aafcs.org.
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