Alumna Diane Kingsley was recently recognized with Keiser University’s Port St. Lucie Campus Employer Choice Award for the intern and mentorships opportunities she provides to students. A 2014 Bachelor of Science Dietetics in Nutrition graduate, she was lauded for regularly leading and providing professional supervision to students which creates opportunities to facilitate classroom theory and lessons.

“The lessons I learned at Keiser University proved to be very valuable and have allowed me to work in a variety of areas as a dietitian. Private practice can be a hard road, but it can also be very rewarding, so I want to share my experience with students with the hope that they feel inspired to embark into private practice when they graduate,” said Kingsley who now concentrates on medical nutrition therapy as a Registered Dietician in private practice.

After being presented the accolade by Leslie Haviland, Director of Student Services, Kingsley shared that she’s happy to be in a position where she can give back to the institution that helped her to grow academically and then to develop a successful practice. She then imparted encouragement to students who are preparing to join the field. “Never give up,” she said. “If you are struggling in an area, reach out for help. Also, don’t be afraid to try new things especially in your internships. You may find that the subjects you didn’t think you were interested in are those that motivate and inspire you the most.”

Keiser University’s Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics and Nutrition combines clinical evaluation, community concerns, and foodservice management into a profession long valued for its service to individuals and the community at large and focused on optimal nutrition and the prevention of chronic diseases. The Coordinated Program in Dietetics is unique since the didactic instruction is integrated with the supervised practice.  Following graduation, students are eligible to take the Registered Dietitian/Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD/RDN) examination.  Upon successful completion of this exam, the RD/RDN is eligible for licensure in Florida or any other state that licenses dietitians/nutritionists.

Keiser University is a private, independent, non-profit university serving nearly 20,000 students at 21 Florida campuses, online, and two international sites. Co-founded in 1977 by Chancellor Arthur Keiser, Ph.D., and Evelyn Keiser, Keiser University currently offers more than 100 degrees from associates to the doctoral level. Keiser University is a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and was ranked No. 11 in the U.S. in Social Mobility by U.S. News and World Reports in 2021.