About the KU Program in Dietetics and Nutrition

The University of Kansas Medical Center

Dietetics and Nutrition started in 1943 at the KU Medical Center as a dietetic internship program. In 1962 the program began to offer a combined internship-Master's program.  The first chairperson was Ruth Gordon (1943-1972), followed by Elizabeth Frakes (1972-1987).  Mr. Jim Halling was chair from 1987-1999.  Upon his resignation, Dr. Janice Harris served as interim chair, then chair until 2005. The current chairperson is Dr. Debra Sullivan, who joined the department’s faculty in 1997.

The KU Medical Center is a facility of more than 50 buildings covering 50 acres with plans for expansion. The Schools of Allied Health, Medicine, and Nursing, and the Office of Graduate Studies comprise the KU Medical Center, along with the Research Institute and specialized Centers for Continuing Education, Cancer, and Aging. The KU Medical Center is proud of its quality health care, teaching, and research facilities.

The University of Kansas Hospital, the tertiary-care hospital at KU Medical Center, is a 423-bed facility with the very latest medical and technological advances. The benefits of an academic medical center are the caring clinical services in combination with unparalleled levels of expertise that come from a substantial investment in medical research and education.

Within this vast complex, nearly 5,000 dedicated individuals are engaged daily in medical education, research, patient care and support services. Over the past decade, the University and Hospital have been awarded millions of dollars for research and clinical studies.

The KU Medical Center is proud to be one of only 87 universities selected in the Carnegie Foundation's original ranking in 1994 of the nation's "Research I" universities. This is the top category, determined by research activity and number of doctoral degrees granted.

The University of Kansas

The University of Kansas includes the main campus in Lawrence, KS, the Medical Center in Kansas City, KS, the Edwards Campus in Overland Park, KS, a clinical branch of the School of Medicine in Wichita, KS, and educational and research facilities throughout the state.

The Community Setting …

KU Medical Center is located on the border of Kansas and Missouri. Our rolling hills, lakes and beautiful neighborhoods surprise first-time visitors. The population of the metropolitan area is approximately 2 million. One may choose a rural, suburban or urban lifestyle with a short commute to KU Medical Center. Each community within the metropolitan area has its own unique character and regardless of where people live, they brag about their neighborhoods.

The Country Club Plaza, the oldest outdoor shopping mall in America (still the place to see and be seen), is world renown with more fountains per capita than any city except Rome. Adjacent to the Plaza is the Nelson Atkins Art Museum, a world-class museum, currently undergoing a $135 million expansion. A new performing arts center is planned for 2005.
Professional sports teams include the Kansas City Chiefs (NFL), Royals (MLB), and Wizards (MLS). The Kansas Speedway has NASCAR and other racing events.

Kansas City is the home of Hallmark Cards, Inc., H&R Block, Stowers Research Institute and the Midwest Research Institute. Several major foundations contribute generously to the Greater Kansas City community.

Kansas City has the amenities you would expect to find in a major metropolitan area, with the friendliness and warmth of a much smaller community.

Maps and Driving Directions

Kansas City is a great place to live! Visit the Photo and Virtual Tour at the website of the Convention and Visitors Bureau of Greater Kansas City.