Extension

Deana Hildebrand is a registered dietician who has managed successful partnerships with organizations such as the OSU Center for Rural Health and the Centers for Disease Control. (Photo by Mitchell Alcala, OSU Agriculture)

 

Deana Hildebrand, an Oklahoma State University professor of nutritional sciences, has been selected to lead the Community Health Program for OSU Extension.

 

In this new role, Hildebrand will concentrate her efforts on supporting OSU’s health initiatives and connecting with other campus entities including the Human Performance Nutrition and Research Institute and the OSU Center for Health Sciences in Tulsa.

 

A registered dietician, Hildebrand has managed several successful partnerships with the OSU Center for Rural Health, the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust and the Centers for Disease Control. She has helped secure grants for advancement and expansion in OSU Extension, adding personnel to projects such as the CDC’s High Obesity Program.

 

“Deana brings a policy, systems and environmental approach to discussions that complement Extension’s ongoing educational efforts,” said Damona Doye, assistant vice president of OSU Extension. “We’re grateful to her for stepping up for this additional role.”

 

Hildebrand is passionate about helping families develop healthy eating habits and active lifestyles. Before joining the OSU faculty in the College of Education and Human Sciences, she was a family and consumer sciences teacher and worked 17 years with child nutrition programs statewide and in local communities.

 

“Health disparities are complex issues that need to be addressed at multiple levels within a community,” Hildebrand said. “Extension’s community health team will work with community organizations to address local issues impacting health. I am honored to lead this new program and work across sectors as we move toward better health for Oklahomans.”