Kelly Phillips, 2001 dietetics graduate from Houma, has been working as a clinical dietician at Terrebonne General Medical Center in Houma for the past three years and has been named the Louisiana Dietetic Association’s Recognized Young Dietician of the Year for 2006. While at Nicholls, Phillips was a member of the Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. Dietetics was a part of FACS then but has now moved to Allied Health. Phillips was also a member of the FACS Honor Society, Kappa Omicron Nu.

Phillips said her favorite part about Nicholls was the convenient location because she was married and had one child at the time. She also liked the smaller classrooms because the teachers were more open to discussion and debate.

“The most important part of my education was the professors,” Phillips said. “If the professor is passionate about his work, he will pass it on to you and make you feel excited about the field you are studying.”

Phillips was a Cum Laude graduate and the recipient of the Daniel LeBlanc Memorial Scholarship.

After graduating from Nicholls with a Bachelor of Science Degree, Phillips had to do an internship, which she did at North Oaks Health System in Hammond. During her internship, Phillips received LDA’s Outstanding Intern of 2003. After completing her internship in June 2003, she had to pass the Commission of Dietetic Registration Examination in September 2003.

Phillips began working at TGMC in 2003 and has been there since.

Phillips was surprised to hear of her winning the award.

The Bayou District Dietetic Association nominated Phillips for the award. Afterwards, LDA created a ballot with all the nominees and sent it to the dieticians in Louisiana to vote on. Phillips was one of two who received the award this year.

Phillips said she tries to do things outside her job. She is LDA’s State Legislative Network Coordinator, which means she keeps state dieticians informed on any state policy or legislation which may affect the profession. She also goes to Washington, D.C. once a year to lobby for Louisiana dieticians.

In the future, Phillips said she would like to continue being involved with the LDA and possibly become a board member. She would also like to grow professionally in rank and get her master’s degree in business administration.

Phillips is married to Jeremy Phillips. They have two children, Jeremy Thomas (J.T.) and Keriann.