SLU DCHS Announces New Nutrition and Dietetics Department Interim Chairperson
The Saint Louis University (SLU) Doisy College of Health Sciences (DCHS) Nutrition and Dietetics department recently announced Rabia Rahman, Ph.D., RD, LD, as Interim Chairperson. Dr. Rahman comes to the position from serving as the Nutrition and Dietetics department Dietetic Internship Director and Graduate Program Director – Dr. Rahman will continue to serve in those roles as well.
Dr. Rahman explained what a privilege it was to now lead the very same department that she started in as a student years ago.
“I was honored to be asked to serve as interim chair for a department that I had the privilege of being part of first as a student and then as a faculty member. This feels like a full circle moment where I have been provided the opportunity to serve the department in a larger and more meaningful manner than ever before,” Dr. Rahman said. “I feel grateful to be able to give back to a department that has given a lot to me both personally and professionally.”
Dr. Rahman went on to explain that she was excited work to build on the successes of the department and grow relationships both in the university and the community.
“My vision is to foster a collaborative environment in the department between faculty, staff and students to promote and further our current strategic goals and objectives,” Dr. Rahman said. “My goal is also to work with Dean Rousseau, our faculty, staff and students to position the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics to meet and advance the strategic goals that will be developed by the University and DCHS in the future.”
DCHS Dean Bernard Rousseau, Ph.D., MMHC, CCC-SLP, ASHA Fellow, looks forward to working with Dr. Rahman on advancing the university's strategic goals and the dean's priorities for the Doisy College of Health Sciences.
“I would like to thank Dr. Anthony Breitbach for his leadership of Nutrition and Dietetics as Interim Chairperson since 2020 and welcome Dr. Rahman into her new role as interim chairperson of the department. With Dr. Breitbach’s new role as Vice Dean of the DCHS and several other leadership changes across the college, I have decided that it is time for new leadership in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics to ensure that we maintain our forward progress. As we strengthen our leadership ranks within DCHS, it is also important to me that we do so with a commitment towards ensuring inclusivity and diversity across our leadership team. With the launch of a new academic strategic plan at the university, DCHS is well-positioned with its dedicated faculty, staff, students and alumni to lead the national and international expansion of Jesuit higher education in the health sciences and advance clinical service, education, research and service. Dr. Rahman is the right person at this time to serve in this important interim leadership role. Dr. Rahman completed her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction at SLU and currently serves as the Dietetic Internship Director in the department. She will bring important, profession-specific experiences to the interim chair leadership position, and I look forward to supporting Dr. Rahman in her new role,” Dean Rousseau said.
Saint Louis University is a Catholic, Jesuit institution that values academic excellence, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service. Founded in 1818, the University fosters the intellectual and character development of nearly 13,000 students on two campuses in St. Louis and Madrid, Spain. Building on a legacy of more than 200 years, Saint Louis University continues to move forward with an unwavering commitment to a higher purpose, a greater good.