![\"KatieWilson\"](\"http:\/\/ezing.me\/transfer\/wp-content\/uploads\/KatieWilson.jpg\")
<\/p>\nOXFORD, Miss. \u2013\u00a0A school nutrition director for the past 22 years, Katie Wilson is now poised to lead the country\u2019s\u00a0authority on child nutrition programs. <\/p>\n
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Tapped as executive director of the National Food Service Management Institute at the University of Mississippi, Wilson\u2019s appointment is effective July 1.<\/p>\n
Becoming NFSMI\u2019s director \u201cis a dream come true for me,\u201d she said. \u201cHere I can be at an executive level, have impact nationally and still be involved with child nutrition. I\u2019m so passionate about training; that\u2019s what makes this a great fit.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wilson and the NFSMI already are exploring some innovative changes, including expanded opportunities for graduate education. Although NFSMI remains fully funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the institute merged with UM\u2019s School of Applied Sciences in March.<\/p>\n
\u201cDr. Wilson is known for her ability to build coalitions with allied organizations on school nutrition issues,\u201d said UM\u2019s Dean of Applied Sciences Linda Chitwood. \u201cShe is the ideal person to lead our institute as we assume a stronger role in policy formation and education, not only for school food service directors but also for the general public.\u201d<\/p>\n
The school nutrition director for Onalaska Public Schools in Onalaska, Wisc., Wilson chairs the board of the School Nutrition Foundation. She has worked with the United Nations, testified before Congress and briefed congressional and senate staff members. She\u2019s also been interviewed by the Today Show, The New York Times, U.S. News and World Report and other national media outlets.<\/p>\n
Wilson has directed school nutrition programs in three Wisconsin school districts and was president of the School Nutrition Association in 2008-09. She has a bachelor\u2019s degree in dietetics, a master\u2019s in food science and nutrition and a doctoral degree in foodservice and lodging management.<\/p>\n
Among her many state and national child nutrition awards is a USDA best practice award for her Junior Chefs Nutrition Education Program.<\/p>\n