Honoring Excellence: Dr. Nina Crowley Named SCAND 2025 Outstanding Dietitian of the Year

What a moment of pride for us at seca, as we congratulate Dr. Nina Crowley, PhD, RDN, LD for being honored with the prestigious Outstanding Dietitian of the Year (ODY) award for 2025 for the South Carolina Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (SCAND).

A Recognition Well Deserved

This award recognizes individuals who have made distinguished contributions to the profession of dietetics through leadership, service, and excellence—and Nina’s career is a masterclass in all three.

In the words of her colleague, Debbie Petitpain, “Nina has shown deep concern for advocating for policies that improve access to credentialed clinicians and to treatments that promote positive health outcomes… Her ongoing dedication to addressing obesity, advocating for health equity, and advancing the science of behavior change is demonstrated in her various media interviews, podcasts, published abstracts and articles and national presentations”​.

What Others Are Saying

Sara Hendrix, a longtime collaborator and fellow MUSC dietitian, reflected on Nina’s impact over the past 15 years:

“Her enthusiasm and commitment to professional engagement inspired me… Nina’s career exemplifies leadership across multiple domains… She has contributed extensively to dietetic education, delivering annual lectures on topics such as motivational interviewing, weight bias, and behavior change.”​

Molly Mills, SCAND Delegate, described Nina as:

“A prominent figure within the national dietetics community, representing all dietitians through her impactful advocacy efforts and significant contributions to professional organizations… Nina continues to significantly impact the field of dietetics.”​

A National Voice for Dietitians

Beyond her South Carolina roots, Nina has amplified the voice of RDs nationally through leadership with groups like the Obesity Action Coalition, the Academy’s Weight Management Dietetic Practice Group, and the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. She’s also currently serving on the Academy’s prestigious Committee for Lifelong Learning, helping shape the Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo (FNCE)—the largest annual gathering of dietitians.

Advocacy and Education at the Core

Nina’s advocacy work spans from Capitol Hill to classrooms. As a former SCAND Public Policy Coordinator, she pushed for legislative advancements, while back home in South Carolina, she mentored interns, educated patients, and directed a nationally recognized bariatric surgery program at the Medical University of South Carolina. Her work has continuously pushed the profession forward—while keeping people and compassion at the center.

A Dietitian’s Dietitian

Whether hosting podcasts, leading webinars, presenting at national meetings, or empowering patients through evidence-based nutrition, Nina Crowley brings intellect, heart, and an unwavering drive to make healthcare more inclusive and effective. We can’t wait to see what’s next for our Outstanding Dietitian!