Member Spotlight: Joan S. Frank, MS, RDN, FAND
What is your Academic Federation job title?
Continuing Lecturer (80%) and Academic Coordinator (20%)
What is your working job title (if different)?
Assistant Program Director, Dietetics
In which department/unit do you work?
I work in the Department of Nutrition.
I am responsible for administering and coordinating the accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) to ensure that the curriculum, program outcomes, and management activities meet or exceed accreditation standards. I spend a significant amount of time on career advising for Clinical Nutrition majors pursuing careers as Registered Dietitians. I teach the department’s Food Service Management core courses as well as a Clinical Practicum. I also direct a Summer Nutrition Program for Japanese dietetics students from Nagoya University of Arts and Science.
What do you like most about your job?
Interacting with students through teaching, academic advising, and career counseling.
How long have you been in your current position?
8 years.
How long have you been at UC Davis?
8 years.
In the past five years, have you had any role in Academic Federation events or activities?
I attend the Meet and Greet every year and have assisted in planning it as secretary of the Academic Federation.
In the past five years, have you served on any Academic Federation committees?
I started out by volunteering for the AF Educational Affairs Committee, and I represented the AF on the Senate Special Academic Programs Committee. I have served as chair of the following AF committees: Educational Affairs, Communications, James H. Meyer Distinguished Achievement Award, and Distinguished Service Award. Additionally, I have served as secretary of the AF and have been a member of the Executive Council and the leadership team.
Have you received any awards that you would like to highlight?
I received the AF Professional Development Award and the AF Travel Grant Award.
Any other comments you would like to share?
The benefits of volunteering with the AF are tremendous. I have met academics throughout UC Davis, and it has broadened my experience beyond my own department. I have a much broader view of how the university works and the benefits that are provided to non-ladder rank faculty.