Catherine Arnold, Ed.D. Nutrition

Catherine Arnold, EdD, MS, RDN, LDN

Professor, Department of Nutrition and Public Health

Faculty Email: carnold@ben.edu

Phone: 630-829-6534

Office Location: Kindlon 224E

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.