By Amanda Mlekush
In her 15-year career at Appalachian State University, Kyle Thompson has earned a number of impressive accomplishments, from starting and finishing a DCN (Doctor of Clinical Nutrition) from Rutgers University to helping launch an online graduate Nutrition program with a Public Health concentration, and helping to grow that program to include a Dietetics track in 2024.
Prior to her planned retirement on Jan. 1 and in recognition of her accomplishments, Thompson has been selected to serve as the Mace Bearer for Appalachian State University’s Commencement ceremony on Friday, Dec. 13, at 5 p.m. in Holmes Convocation Center for graduates in the Beaver College of Health Sciences, College of Fine and Applied Arts and Hayes School of Music.
(Image by Chase Reynolds shows Dr. Thompson wearing her regalia and holding the university mace.)
“I love our programs so much, and being able to impact people’s health in a preventive way and by utilizing the preventive side of nutrition combined with public health has given me insights into the health issues people are facing,” Thompson said. “I’ve seen how my field has evolved to consider ways we can impact the social determinants of health to improve quality of life and decrease risk of chronic diseases through nutritional choices.”
During her career at App State, Thompson co-edited a textbook “Public Health Nutrition: Rural, Urban and Global Community Based Practice” with colleagues from the Beaver College of Health Sciences, including Drs. Margareth Barth, Melissa Gutschall and Adam Hege.
“Some of the highlights during my time at App State would be earning my doctorate and working with my colleagues to develop and expand our nutrition programs to include a master’s in Nutrition with a concentration in public health nutrition, and then to expand the program to include a dietetic option. I am very proud of seeing the things our students accomplish, and how they make an impact on the health of their communities,” said Thompson.
When asked if she has advice for individuals who want to impact their overall health through nutrition, Thompson said she recommends to “get started with healthier choices by eating more fruits and veggies.”
Woman wearing graduation regalia and holding a large staff
Dr. Kyle Thompson is the Mace Bearer for Commencement