Department Chair Wanda Koszewski said Winthrop's human nutrition program stands out
because it's one of the few in the Carolinas and the region that offers degrees and
coursework at the undergraduate, graduate and internship levels. Winthrop University responded to the 1917 Congress passing the Smith-Hughes bill,
a piece of legislation emphasizing home economics coursework, by offering coursework
in dietetics.
ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA - Recognizing the importance of the household, in 1917 the
United States Congress passed the Smith-Hughes bill, a piece of legislation emphasizing
home economics coursework.
Ever at the forefront of educating the next generation of women, Winthrop University
responded by offering coursework in dietetics.
The university's human nutrition program will celebrate its 100th birthday this year with new research presentations, a table at Homecoming & Reunion Weekend, professional
development opportunities for students and more.
Department Chair Wanda Koszewski said Winthrop's human nutrition program stands out because it's one of the few in
the Carolinas and the region that offers degrees and coursework at the undergraduate,
graduate and internship levels. Another standout feature? The students.
"We have great students in the department," said Koszewski. "I am so impressed with
Winthrop. I always tell students Winthrop has diverse opportunities and can help you
to be successful if you wish to do so and take advantage of the program. The students
we have here rise to the occasion."
While the program itself may have evolved over the years, the high quality of Winthrop's
human nutrition education has not changed. Rather, Koszewski said the anniversary
has sparked a discussion on how the program can better serve South Carolina residents
and carve out an even deeper niche in the field. In the coming years, faculty will
focus on education on food insecurity and chronic disease prevention.
"As a state institution, we need to help address this," Koszewski said. "In this state,
strokes are very prevalent because they are mostly related to high blood pressure."
In a state typically known for its agriculture, many people still lack a nutrient-dense
diet, she added. She and faculty will seek more grant funding so that students can
pursue more research and outreach efforts in the state to address these issues.
The department has several events planned to commemorate the special anniversary:
*Sept. 6: Centennial Celebration
From 4-6 p.m. in Richardson Ballroom, students from both Winthrop and across the Carolinas
will present their research and abstracts in a symposium, with a $100 award going
to the student with the best abstract. A reception is planned for 6 p.m., with dinner
following at 6:30 p.m. Lucille Beseler, past president of the Academy of Nutrition
and Dietetics, will be the keynote speaker. All nutrition students in the area, Winthrop
alumni, faculty/staff/teachers, community members and supporters are invited. Tickets
are $25 for students and $45 for all other attendees. The Louise Pettus Archives and
Special Collections will have a display set up during the event. E-mail Koszewski
at koszewskiw@winthrop.edu to RSVP and get more information.
*Oct. 21-24
Koszewski will take a group of students to Chicago, Illinois, for the 2017 Food &
Nutrition Conference & Expo.
*Nov. 17
The department will have a table at Homecoming & Reunion Weekend. Students will be
selling human nutrition T-shirts and making yogurt parfaits.
*March 14, 2018
For National Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day, the department will celebrate
the profession and program. Details are TBA.
Students also have discussed creating a time capsule.
For more information, contact Nicole Chisari, communications coordinator, at 803/323-2236 or chisarin@winthrop.edu.
