For her contributions to dietetics and dedicated community service, registered dietitian Jaime Gnau received the Emerging Dietetic Leader award at the Missouri Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (MOAND) 2024 annual conference.  It took place April 12-13 in St. Louis, Missouri.   

Gnau is a clinical assistant professor of nutrition and dietetics in the department of public health and sports medicine at Missouri State University. 

A true honor 

Gnau’s journey with the MOAND began early in her career when she served as the regional director for the southwest region.  

“It was a true honor for me to receive the award,” said Gnau, who is also a Missouri State alumna. “I’m very proud of the work I’ve been able to do.” 

She is also chair of the 2025 MOAND annual conference planning committee and a member of the southwest region MOAND planning committee for continuing education events. 

Award criteria 

To receive the Emerging Dietetic Leader award, nominees must be a registered dietitian with five to 10 years of experience and show active participation in professional associations.  

Gnau’s extensive involvement and leadership roles demonstrated her qualifications for this honor. 

Persistent nomination 

The award nomination process highlighted Gnau’s impact and the admiration she earned from her peers. 

“The dietitian who nominated me kept reaching out year after year until I finally reached my five-year mark,” Gnau said. 

Overcoming challenges 

Gnau’s time as regional director from 2019-2021 coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This period demanded creativity and resilience.    

“Navigating continuing education projects and opportunities for dietitians through COVID was a significant challenge,” Gnau said.    

Her approach to maintaining engagement and professional development for dietitians in the region was crucial during these unprecedented times. 

Transition to academia 

After her term as regional director, Gnau transitioned to a full-time academic role at Missouri State.   

But her commitment to the dietetics community remained unwavering as she continued to contribute to the southwest region’s planning committee. 

A nod to Missouri State 

Gnau attributes much of her success to her role at the university.  

“My role at Missouri State helped me to get this award,” Gnau said.   

Her engagement in research, collaboration with students and colleagues and active participation in national conferences have been instrumental in her professional growth and recognition.  

Learn more about the department of public health and sports medicine