The College of Science, Engineering and Technology

Faculty Spotlight

Meet Sara Wagner

Sara's role at UWGB is serving as the acting Director of Undergraduate Dietetics Programs.  In this role, she collaborates closely with other faculty and staff on campus and in the community, mentors and advises current and prospective students, markets and grows our dietetics program, and continuously updates the practices and policies to meet the standards of our accrediting organization.  She also teaches courses including Medical Nutrition Therapy I and II, Quantity Food Production and Service, and Childhood Obesity, and is also the faculty advisor for the Healthy Fork and Phoenix Students for Life student organizations.

What is your favorite part of the job?  

Our dietetics program has been built on the dedication and vision of several remarkable people, including our founder, Dr. Elaine McIntosh; Ms. Karen Lacey, and Dr. Debra Pearson.  I love that I can “stand on the shoulders” of these brilliant and hardworking educators who have developed our program into what it is today, and to build on that record of success and continue to grow our program into the future. Being in this role at UWGB is even more special for me as this is where I received my undergraduate degree, and having the opportunity to work here feels like coming home!

What would you say to encourage people to enroll in the nutrition program?

In my opinion, we have the best dietetics program in the state and one of the very best in the nation.  Our program has a reputation for being extremely rigorous, especially in our Human Biology course requirements, and we offer a cutting-edge curriculum that reflects the latest knowledge and research in the field of nutrition.   Additionally, our match rate for graduating students placing into dietetic internships has been exceptional.  Although the national average for internship placement is at approximately 50%, our program has a 93% average over the last three years (41 of 44 students matched)!  Many of our students get matched to their first-choice internship program and/or highly competitive VA Hospital programs.   Furthermore, our students have classroom and internship access to hands-on learning experiences with countless community partners including Schreiber Foods, Bellin Hospital, Prevea, LIVE 54218, the Green Bay Packers, UW-Extension, and the Brown County Treatment Center.   Our program continues to thrive as we were recently approved to launch a Master’s Program in Integrative Health and Nutrition!

See photo's at UWGB's Nutrition program on Instagram:

What is your mission at UWGB?

I want our students to grow not just in their academic knowledge, but in the skills that they need to be successful in the professional world.  My mission is to make sure that our students leave with strong critical thinking skills, a love of learning, professionalism, and confidence to be leaders.  

What is your favorite quote?  

“Love never tires”, Fr. Jacques Philippe. 

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