Melinda Valliant

Dr. Melinda Valliant is a Professor in the Department of Nutrition & Hospitality Management at the School of Applied Sciences, The University of Mississippi. She also serves as Associate Dean and Co-Director of the Center for Health and Sports Performance, where she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses, mentors future nutrition professionals, and conducts impactful research in sports and performance nutrition.

Education:

• B.S. in Family Sciences, The University of Mississippi (1988)
• M.S. in Exercise Science, The University of Mississippi (1994)
• Ph.D. in Exercise Science, The University of Mississippi (2005)

Her research focuses on sports nutrition knowledge, body composition, disordered eating, body image, and corporate wellness. She has contributed significantly to the field through professional leadership and the co-authorship of the 2021 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for RDNs in Sports and Human Nutrition.

Dr. Valliant has mentored numerous graduate students, including twelve doctoral students, and continues to guide the next generation of sports nutrition experts. She is actively involved in academic administration as Associate Dean and leads research initiatives through the Center for Health and Sports Performance.

Her work bridges clinical practice, research, and education, emphasizing holistic approaches to athlete well-being and public health nutrition.

Notable professional contributions:

• Co-Director, Center for Health and Sports Performance
• Co-author, 2021 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for RDNs in Sports and Human Nutrition