BenU Faculty Member since 1990

Education:
Ed.D. Educational Psychology, Northern Illinois University
M.S. Clinical Nutrition, Rush University

• Graduate Certificate in Advanced Quantitative Methods in Education, Northern Illinois University
• Certificate in Assessing Prior Learning, Council for Adult and Experiential Learning
• Advanced Specialty Training Certificate in Adult Weight Management, CDR
• Advanced Training Certificate in Leadership, Leadership Institute of AND
• Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, CDR
• Licensed Dietitian, State of IL

Courses Taught:

• HLED 3271 – Health Education Planning
• NUTR 2242 – Introduction to the Profession
• NUTR 3244 – Food Science
• NUTR 4371 and 4374 – Medical Nutrition Therapy I and II
• NUTR 4493 and 4494 – Leadership
• NUTR 5491 – Nutrition Assessment Lab

Awards and Recognition:

• Judith Ann Whinfrey Distinguished Faculty Award for Leadership, Benedictine University
• Faculty Service Award, Benedictine University
• Alumnae of the Year Award, Immaculate Heart of Mary High School
• Outstanding Dietetics Educator Award, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year Award, Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Scholarly Achievements and Grant Awards:

Dr. Arnold’s research interests include Determining Predictors of health behavior change, self-efficacy and motivation, and student leadership, engagement, and learning. From 2000-2019, she supervised 194 students, who completed a total of 86 master research projects for their thesis. To support her endeavors, she received funding from five granting organizations for over $100,000, as well as she is currently the PI of a $210,000 grant from the USDA NIFA to support a Multicultural Scholars Program in Nutrition and Dietetics. Her work is published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Dr. Arnold delivered over 40 presentations at local, state, and international conferences.

Prior University Leadership Roles:

• Nutrition Department Chairperson
• Director, Master of Science program
• Director, Didactic Program in Dietetics
• Assistant to the Provost for University Assessment

Prior Professional Leadership Positions:

• Program Reviewer, Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, AND
• Program Reviewer, Higher Learning Commission
• President, Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• Strategic Planning, Co-Chair, Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• Nominating Committee Chair, Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• Illinois Co-Chair, Dietetic Educators of Practitioners practice group
• President, West Suburban Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• Secretary, West Suburban Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Predictors of behavior change, self-efficacy and motivation; student leadership, engagement, and learning.