Deborah Gillespie

Deborah Gillespie, EdD, MS, RDN/LD, FNAP, NBC-HWC, ACC, Dip ACLM is an Associate Professor in the Department of Personalized Health & Well-Being at the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC). She holds roles in academic leadership, including former Interim Chair of the Department of Lifestyle Health Sciences and Program Director for the Graduate Certificate in Lifestyle Health. Her expertise spans clinical nutrition, culinary medicine, and health coaching.

Education:

• B.S. in Dietetics, Miami University
• M.S. in Medical Dietetics, Saint Louis University
• EdD in Health Professions Education, A.T. Still University

Research & Practice: Dr. Gillespie focuses on lifestyle medicine, personalized health, and online education innovation. Her work integrates nutrition therapy, emotional intelligence training, and cultural competency in global healthcare contexts. She pioneered distance education programs at UNTHSC and is a certified health & wellness coach through Wellcoaches.

Awards:

• International Board of Lifestyle Medicine certification
• National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach
• Associate Certified Coach (International Coach Federation)

Leadership & Impact: She developed UNTHSC's Lifestyle Health Sciences department into the current Personalized Health & Well-Being unit. Her global interests in cultural nutrition are reflected through travel and cross-cultural education initiatives.