Radford University instructor is honored as young dietitian of the year

Radford University Adjunct Instructor Kristen Chang is the recipient of the Virginia Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ (VAND) Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year Award for 2017.

Chang teaches wellness lifestyle and nutrition classes in the university’s Department of Health and Human Performance.

"Being honored with this award is simply an outward reflection of my love for the profession and passion for helping others develop healthier nutritional lifestyles,” Chang said. “I think it also highlights the importance of getting involved with your professional organization, as having done so has been invaluable to my professional growth and development."

Chang is a registered dietitian nutritionist and a certified specialist in sports dietetics. She is founder and owner of Real Food for Fuel in Blacksburg.

In addition to teaching and counseling clients, Chang has provided numerous lectures and articles on a variety of performance and wellness nutrition topics to community organizations and businesses.

She is active in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, serving in numerous roles at the state and local level, including continuing education chair and website coordinator. She is president of the academy’s southwest district and a member of several specialty practice groups.

In addition, Chang is a member of the Collegiate and Professional Dietitians Association.

“Radford University is fortunate to have Kristen as a member of our teaching and learning community,” said Mary Jean Miller, an assistant professor of Nutrition and Dietetics at the university. “She truly seeks to make a difference and is a worthy recipient of VAND’s Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year Award.”