Heather K. Cox

Heather K. Cox is a Senior Lecturer and Director of the Didactic Program in Dietetics at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, part of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. She holds an MS and BS in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise from Virginia Tech (2008 and 1997 respectively). Her work focuses on nutrition education, program administration, and reducing weight bias in dietetics practice. She has led initiatives to develop a centralized application service for dietetics programs and collaborates with Virginia Cooperative Extension's Family Nutrition Program.

Education:

• M.S., Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Tech, 2008
• B.S., Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Tech, 1997

Research & Program Focus: Cox emphasizes real-world application in education through partnerships with community programs. Her efforts include integrating federal nutrition policies into student projects and developing inclusive educational pathways for future dietitians. She advocates for reducing stigma in healthcare communication and improving workforce development strategies.

Awards:

• Outstanding Dietetics Educator Award (2017)
• Virginia Dietetic Association's Distinguished Dietitian (2012)
• Outstanding Alumni Leadership (Virginia Tech, 2012)

Advising & Leadership: As program director, Cox oversees training for future registered dietitian nutritionists. Her professional service includes leadership roles in the Nutrition and Dietetics Educators and Preceptors organization, driving national initiatives for application systems and educational policy.

Labs/Teams: Collaborates with Virginia Cooperative Extension's Family Nutrition Program and leads the Didactic Program in Dietetics team at Virginia Tech.