AAFCS is pleased to announce that Dr. Shelly Nickols-Richardson has been selected as the new Editor of the Family and Consumer Sciences Research Journal. Dr. Nickols-Richardson is a Professor and Faculty Extension Specialist at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Her research focuses on the promotion of dietary guidelines through community-based interventions and the exploration of consumer behaviors regarding food choices and preparation, consumption, and conservation practices. Chronic disease prevention in individuals and groups is promoted through the intersection with food production systems in rural and urban areas. She served as the Director of University of Illinois Extension and Associate Dean in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (2018-2025), Department Head of Food Science and Human Nutrition (2013-2018), and as a member of the Division of Nutritional Sciences (2013-present). Nickols-Richardson served as an Associate Research Editor for the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (2011-2013), Associate Editor for the Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences (2001-2005), and as President of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (2008-2009). She was a member of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee.
Nickols-Richardson is excited about the new role and envisions that the Family and Consumer Sciences Research Journal will be the premier forum for publishing peer-reviewed original research focused on topics relevant to the family and consumer sciences body of knowledge and their integration. Efforts will be devoted to increasing the FCSRJ’s impact factor, expanding author and reader audiences, and tackling critical issues such as artificial intelligence as related to the FCSRJ. The FCSRJ will serve as the cornerstone for sourcing evidence-based information for professional practice. Her editorial service begins January 1, 2027.
Nickols-Richardson replaces Dr. Mari Borr, who announced her retirement (effective December 31, 2026) after five years of service as FCSRJ Editor. AAFCS appreciates the dedicated service, contributions, and editorial leadership provided by Dr. Borr and offers its congratulations to Dr. Nickols-Richardson in her new role.
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About AAFCS: Founded in 1909, the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) is the only professional association representing members from both multiple FCS practice settings and content areas. The mission of AAFCS is to elevate the profession by inspiring research, leadership, and service to empower individuals, families and communities.
About FCSRJ: For more than 50 years, the Family & Consumer Sciences Research Journal (FCSRJ) has published original research in all areas of family and consumer sciences concerned with the well-being of individuals and families. As a major vehicle for the dissemination of new research, the FCSRJ covers the richness, diversity, and interdisciplinarity that characterize family and consumer sciences today. From consumerism, human development, and family studies to housing, technology, nutrition, and textiles, the FCSRJ keeps you up-to-date on this complex and vital field. Each refereed article in the FCSRJ includes cutting-edge relevant research as well as practical information for family and consumer sciences professionals and practitioners.