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Introducing the Academy’s 2015-2016 President: Evelyn Ford Crayton

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T IS WITH HONOR AND PLEASURE that we introduce Dr Evelyn Ford Crayton, RDN, LDN, FAND, as the 90th President of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Another example of the increasing diversity of the Academy, Evelyn is our organization’s first African-American President. We have known and worked with Evelyn for many years, and she continues to inspire and challenge everyone with her sense of purpose, dedication, and pride in the Academy and our profession. “Evelyn Crayton is a strong leader with grace, wisdom, and passion,” says her 2013-2014 predecessor as Academy president, Dr Glenna McCollum, MPH, RDN. “Serving with her on the House Leadership Team and on the Academy’s Board of Directors, I came to admire this giant of a woman who is soulfully committed to our members and to our profession. Always graceful, Evelyn keeps her eye on the future, the importance of the Academy’s role in a global society, the need for enhanced collaboration and action, and a knack for finding important opportunities for the Academy to demonstrate its mission—the food and nutrition leaders in a world of change.” Sarah Wilder, PhD, retired RDN, former executive director of the National Organization of Blacks in Dietetics and Nutrition member interest group, calls Evelyn “a visionary leader, creative thinker, and skilled strategic planner. She promotes cultural diversity and teamwork in the Academy and our profession. She encourages us to continue making a positive difference in the health and nutritional wellbeing of our communities and nation.”

THE CONSUMER’S ADVOCATE Evelyn credits the late Solona McDonald, RD, a mentor at Tuskegee Institute, with nurturing her professional development and active participation in dietetics. A skilled communicator and community citizen, Evelyn educates and advocates for consumers, connecting people to people, ideas, and information. ª 2015 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

She frequently speaks, nationally and internationally, on issues like nutritional literacy. Evelyn recently retired following a 40year career ranging from extension specialist to assistant director of extension at Auburn University; she is selfemployed as director of Living Well Associates, LLC, in Montgomery, AL. Regarded by all as a patient and helpful mentor, Evelyn continues to work with students; aspiring registered dietitian nutritionists; nutrition and dietetics technicians, registered; and professional colleagues.

PROFESSIONAL, CIVIC LIFE Her service to the Academy includes President of the Tuskegee (AL) and Alabama dietetic associations, chair of the Nutrition Education for the Public dietetic practice group, professional issues delegate, House Leadership Team, Council on Future Practice, and the Boards of Directors of both the Academy and the Foundation. Evelyn’s many awards include Alabama Outstanding Dietitian and recognition from the Alabama Extension Service, Grambling University, Top 100 leaders in Alabama, and Zeta Phi Beta sorority. She is active in civic and religious life, serving on the Montgomery County Board of Education’s Bi-Racial Committee and the Lamp Lighters (an organization for gifted children). Evelyn is married to her college sweetheart John, and they have three talented children who keep them grounded. Evelyn is the ninth child in a family of 11, most of whom attended and graduated college. She teaches Sunday school, chairs the Scholarship Committee and Hostess Board, and is a Deaconess of her church.

Dr Evelyn Ford Crayton Pathway as an opportunity to increase diversity in dietetic education and Academy membership, Patricia Babjak, the Academy’s chief executive officer and a graduate of Dominican University, facilitated Evelyn’s introduction to Jill White, EdD, RDN, chair of Dominican’s nutrition department. After Evelyn and Jill met, with the help of the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, a partnership agreement was formalized between the Cooperative Extension Service and Dominican University. This collaboration, which began in August 2011, enables non-RDN extension nutritionists to become registered dietitian nutritionists and members of the Academy.

LEADING THE TEAM Evelyn’s TEAM philosophy reflects our past, present, and future. In 1920, Mary de Garmo Bryan, PhD, the second president of the American Dietetic Association, said: “Working together we can move this organization forward.”1 Ninety-five years later, following this goal, Evelyn Crayton is leading our team, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, to a bright future. Gladys Jennings, MS, Retired RDN Glenda Warren, MS, RDN

ACCOMPLISH MORE . TOGETHER Evelyn has a leadership motto: TEAM (Together Everyone Accomplishes More). Here’s an example of how she brings people together to do great things: Knowing of Evelyn’s interest in the Individualized Supervised Practice

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2015.04.009

Reference 1.

Cassells J. Carry the Flame: The History of the American Dietetic Association. Chicago, IL: American Dietetic Association; 1990:33.

JOURNAL OF THE ACADEMY OF NUTRITION AND DIETETICS

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Introducing the Academy's 2015-2016 President: Evelyn Ford Crayton.

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