Nutrition Strategic Plan

Serve as a global leader in undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate training that prepares trainees for leadership roles in academia, clinics, industry, government, public health, and the nonprofit sector with the goal of improving evidence-based decision making around nutrition at all levels from research
to application and policy.

Discover new knowledge, technologies, and intervention strategies spanning basic to applied research that provides the foundation for precision nutrition that can be applied regionally, nationally, and internationally with the goal of improving human health and well-being through disease prevention and management.

Engage society in the adoption and maintenance of dietary behaviors to mitigate health disparities and to improve the quality of life across the life span for individuals, communities, and populations, especially in Texas that has a majority-minority population and unique food systems.

Participate in national and international policy initiatives aimed at reducing food insecurity and increasing value foods to bring recognition to Texas A&M while having a positive impact on human health beyond the borders of Texas.

Serve as a global leader in undergraduate and graduate education, and post-graduate training that prepares trainees for leadership roles in academia, clinics, industry, government, public health, and the nonprofit sector.

1. Increase the number of upper-level undergraduate elective courses (300 and 400 level) from 3 to 10.
2. Increase undergraduate majors by 20%, with the majority of new students being in the Molecular Track.
3. Develop new MS options in applied nutrition and global nutritional health.
4. Increase the number of PhD students-to-faculty from 1.5:1 to 3:1.
5. Increase the number of post-doc scholars-to-faculty from 1:2 to 1:1.
6. Obtain a T32 training grant in Nutrition.

Discover new knowledge, technologies, and intervention strategies spanning basic to applied research that provides the foundation for precision nutrition that can be applied regionally, nationally, and internationally.

1. Increase the number of proposals submitted for external funding (federal and non-profit sources) by 20% annually.
2. Obtain an NIDDK P30 Nutrition Obesity Center grant.
3. Obtain at least one multi-PI grant focused on precision nutrition.
4. Obtain at least one international or foundation grant in food security and quality.
5. Actively collaborate with Children’s Nutrition Research Center at Baylor College of Medicine through
   hosting new USDA hires to advance translational and clinical capabilities.

Engage society in the adoption and maintenance of dietary behaviors to mitigate health disparities and to improve the quality of life across the life span for individuals, communities, and populations.

1. Increase the number of Extension faculty with a research appointment from 0 to 3.
2. Increase the number of grant applications that include an Extension component by at least one per year.
3. Recruit an ACES Fellow to develop a program in health disparity research.
4. Actively participate and lead development of innovative new programs in the COALS-Bryan
   Collaboration to provide opportunity for more hands-on activities to engage students in experiential learning and population research.

Participate in national and international policy initiatives aimed at reducing food insecurity and increasing value foods.

1. Have one faculty member with charter membership on key policy bodies such as the Dietary Guideline
   Advisory Committee.
2. Have one faculty member on international advisory boards such as WHO or the Gates Foundation.
3. Organize and host an international symposium or think-tank on using healthy nutrition to address world
   health issues and improve quality of life.