Dr. Rita Johnson’s focus is on students and helping them achieve more than they think they are able. Her philosophy is to “teach for the future.” Following this philosophy, her assignments provide opportunities for students to find resources and experiences that apply what they learn in the classroom. Students then share their experiences with their peers. One of the most successful is the annual service-learning assignment—the Community Nutrition Food Drive that benefits the local community action agency. Having a 14-year history, it is the third largest food drive in Indiana County.
Just as students learn for the future, Dr. Johnson challenges herself to learn more about many subjects. She was appointed to two committees of the American Dietetic Association—Quality Management and Scope of Dietetic Practice Framework (of which she is chair). She also authored a commentary about folic acid metabolism and genetics for a major nutrition text.
Dr. Johnson’s regular teaching assignments include the following topics: professional standards and expectations of food and nutrition professionals, nutrition and biochemistry, sports nutrition, community nutrition, public policy, and career development for food and nutrition professionals. She is the undergraduate director of the Dietetics program and the faculty coordinator of the clinical rotation of the post-graduate Dietetic Internship.
Dr. Johnson has received numerous award and honors that include the Outstanding Dietitian of the Pennsylvania Dietetic Association, Sports Cardiovascular and Wellness Nutritionists Achievement Award, Achievement Award from Ball State University, Keystone Award from the Pennsylvania Dietetic Association, Recognition of Service to the Indiana County Community Action Program, Outstanding Dietetics Educator from Dietetic Educators of Practitioners, and Charter Fellow of the American Dietetic Association. Her recent professional development includes presentations and attendance to the Food and Nutrition Conference and Exhibition; Sports, Cardiovascular, and Wellness Nutritionists Symposium; and annual meetings of the Pennsylvania Dietetic Association.
Dr. Johnson earned a B.S. in Dietetics and Chemical Technology at Ball State University, an M.S. in Food and Nutrition from Purdue University, and a Ph.D. in Human Nutrition from Pennsylvania State University.
Dr. Johnson’s vita provides more detail about her accomplishments.
Areas of Interest
Sports nutrition, nutrition for the elderly, career planning for dietetic students, public policy and legislation, service learning, supplementation
