Kevin Sauer: Where Are They Now?

I am an associate professor in the Department of Food, Nutrition, Dietetics, and Health. I also co-direct the Center for Food Safety Research in Child Nutrition Programs. I teach a variety of courses, conduct research, advise, mentor and more. I can’t imagine not having the opportunity to work with students, and to learn from them also.

After becoming a RDN, I first took a position in Wichita, Kansas, helping a small food service management company grow and develop their first child nutrition program. The position was new to the organization and myself, and honestly, I was lost the entire time. I relied heavily on my K-State education and the skills I had attained through K-State’s Coordinated Program in Dietetics and experience in dining services to guide me. After completing my master's degree and employment with K-State Dining Services, I took a position in Kansas City where I was responsible for the administration of healthcare food and nutrition services at St. Luke’s Medical Center. After about seven years and another working with another medical center, I returned to K-State as an instructor in dietetics, and worked on my Ph.D at the same time. This time, Christy and I brought two smart and beautiful girls with us, ages 3 and 1 — Jillian and Libby. I always say that “we as a family” finished my Ph.D in 2009 and I remained here on the dietetics faculty after. It is hard to believe, but Jillian is now a freshman in mechanical engineering here at K-State. She lives in Wefald Hall and also works at Kramer Dining Center. I’m encouraging her to consider a resident assistant role!

I am a first-generation college student, so having the opportunity to attend college at all is very special for me. I often remind my own students how very fortunate we are to have access to an advanced education and to cherish this opportunity, even when things become stressful.

Really, my favorite part of working for K-State involves the numerous memories that I have forged that blend together friends, family milestones, and critical personal and professional growth. K-State dining has always unconditionally had the welcome sign out for me, making it a series of warm homecomings. I met my wife here, I raised my family here, I advanced my education here, and I became an RDN here. It is now so rewarding to have this incredible opportunity to return to the very classrooms, hallways, and operations that I once learned in, and now make an impact on the future of the dietetics profession with some of the very best students in the country.

After high school, I attended Dodge City Community College, and I wasn’t completely sure what I wanted to do in the future. I knew that I wanted to help others with their health and well-being, and I had a personal interest in health, food, and fitness too. By chance, a K-State representative was in the cafeteria one day, and I randomly asked that person about a degree or career in this general area, and dietetics was mentioned. I then made the visit to K-State and enrolled, having never been here before or knowing anyone.

Like most dietetics students today, the career path that one thinks they will follow as a RDN can become much different than what really happens. This is partly why most RDNs remain in the profession, because there are an enormous number of exciting career paths one can take as a RDN. It is difficult to see all of the possibilities when you first enroll and complete the degree. RDNs are THE food and nutrition experts, RDNs are systems-thinkers, and RDNs put people first. With that, the skillset and mindset of RDNs makes them adaptable to so many situations, employers and organizations.

The Academy has been in existence for over 100 years, and continues to support and advocate for over 100,000 credentialed practitioners. My term begins June 1, 2020, and the role is a very exciting one, as I’ll have the pleasure of working closely with the Academy CEO and staff at the Chicago headquarters, and alongside 18 very dynamic and committed board members. There is more passion, commitment, and attention to the strategic future of the profession among the Academy staff and board members than you could imagine.

As president-elect, I will be responsible for leading and managing change, encouraging a culture of inquiry and communication, and thinking strategically, globally and futuristically, while keeping the needs of Academy members in mind. I am truly excited and honored to have this once in a lifetime opportunity to serve our profession and the Academy members in this capacity.

My advice is to approach what you do as part science/technical skill, but also as part art too (which is the uniquely-YOU part). I try to balance these two traits with everything I do. Finally, when serving others or your profession, do so with a lifetime warranty mindset, because you never know how or to what extent, or what you say just might impact someone for a lifetime.