Posted 11/6/2008

Pate recognized for professional knowledge,
technical expertise and compassionate service

Dr. Russell R. Pate

CHICAGO -- USC Associate Vice President for Health Sciences Dr. Russell Pate has been awarded an Honorary Membership in the American Dietetic Association, one of the highest honors the association can grant to non-members.

Pate, a professor in the Arnold School’s Department of Exercise Science, was honored during the ADA Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo which drew a crowd of 12,000 persons to Chicago, Oct 25-28, 2008.

In welcoming remarks, ADA President-elect Jessie Pavlinac noted Pate’s “professional knowledge, technical expertise and compassionate service have shaped physical activity and nutrition recommendations and policies at the local, state and national levels.

“He has contributed to the advancement of dietetics and ADA by collaborating with registered dietiticians; through significant contributions to the 2005 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee; the Institute of Medicine’s Panel on Prevention of Obesity in Children and many other groups.

“Dr. Pate also played a key role in the creation of the University of South Carolina Center for Research in Nutrition and Health Disparities,” Pavlinac said.

Each year two or three honorary memberships are awarded to non-members for distinguished contributions to the dietetics profession.

The ADA is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. It is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education, and advocacy.

Approximately 75 percent of ADA’s nearly 69,000 members are registered dietitians and four percent are dietetic technicians, registered (DTRs). Other members include consultants, educators, researchers, and students.

Approximately 75 percent of ADA’s nearly 69,000 members are registered dietitians (RDs) and four percent are dietetic technicians, registered (DTRs).

Other members include consultants, educators, researchers and students. Nearly half of all ADA members hold advanced academic degrees.

• For more information on the American Dietetic Association, visit the group’s website: www.eatright.org