Our mission is to enhance the physical, social, and economic well-being of individuals, families, and communities, emphasizing healthy and sustainable living across the lifespan. We fulfill our mission through instructional, research, and outreach/extension efforts that challenge, motivate, and inspire.
Family and Consumer Sciences integrates the fundamental components of human life — food, shelter, clothing, human relationships, and family — with larger societal systems. Through programs in textiles, apparel and design; food and nutrition; and human development and family sciences, our department prepares learners to meet the opportunities and challenges of today’s complex world.
This year, Dr. Jill Keith led a group of Family & Consumer Sciences students to FNCE, the Food & Nutrition Convention & Expo, held in Minneapolis, MN this October. Graduate student alum, Omer Faruq, presented a poster on his thesis research; Grace Strahan, a 2nd year FCS MS student, presented her thesis poster as well. Omer presented research regarding food pantries in rural areas, and Grace offered her insights on the link between funding for mental health support and nutition.
Three Family and Consumer Sciences undergraduate students--Emily Polson, Peyton Howery, Shaelea Milliron--attended as well. Our undergraduates took advantage of FNCE's opportunities for networking, seminars, demonstrations, vendors, and continuing education available at the convention.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics sponsors FNCE, the world's largest meeting of food and nutrition experts — RDNs, NDTRs, researchers, policymakers, health care providers and industry leaders attend the convention to address key issues affecting the health of all Americans. World-renowned nutrition and health experts explore the latest advances in medical nutrition therapy, health care technology, nutrition services access and opportunity, and much more.
You can be sure we will have another retinue of FCS folks to particiapte in 2025 as well!