Emilie Vincent was recognized as the Outstanding Student in Didactic Program in Dietetics at the 2026 Indiana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Annual Conference. She was also chosen to be the Reflection Speaker at USI's Spring Commencement Ceremonies May 9, 2026.
She says that while it is not an easy road, a degree in dietetics is highly rewarding, well structured has great career options with good salaries and flexible options, and is useful for everyone in their personal life and everyone around them. "You can't go wrong with this degree, and it is in high demand," she says. "On top of that, the faculty of this program are well trained, knowledgeable and very helpful."
Where are you from? I am from the Evansville area, and I attended North high school in Darmstadt.
What led you to a career in dietetics? When I first started USI, I bounced around in a couple of different majors and then started the nutrition and wellness concentration. The next semester, I transferred to dietetics because I wanted to be able to utilize nutrition as medicine and as the science it is to change lives.
Tell me about a class or faculty member that has made an impact on you. While all my teachers, professors and advisors have all made great impacts on me, Dr. Beth Young has by far been the most influential person I could have met in my entire time at the University. She has paved my path to success and taught me the most important skills and knowledge that I have now. Because of the way she runs this program and how she invests in her students, she is the only reason I got this award and am successful right now. She deserves all the recognition and all the thanks.
What are your plans for after graduation? I will be going on to get a master's degree and a human lactation certification starting in the Fall. Following that, I plan to start working in long-term care and eventually open a private practice or become an Advanced Practitioner in Clinical Nutrition.
What have you been involved with on campus? I was in jazz band for several semesters, but over the last year I have been most active with the Food and Nutrition Student Organization as its president.
Do you have any hobbies or interests? I have many hobbies and interests, so it is hard to pick my top few. I enjoy playing saxophone, gaming, sewing, cooking, baking, reading, gardening and hiking.
Anything else you want to add? I will be staying on as the tutor for an additional school year (until May 2027), so please let everyone know they are welcome to contact me if they ever need help with anything nutrition related.