Cindy Fitch, an experienced food, families and nutrition expert has been selected to lead West Virginia University Extension Services’ statewide programs in Families and Health. Currently WVU Extension’s food and nutrition specialist, Fitch was chosen after a national search and will begin her new role Jan. 4.

“Programs that focus on families, health and nutrition are vital for West Virginia, and we are so pleased that Cindy will lead our efforts in this area on behalf of WVU Extension and the people of our state,” said Dave Miller, associate provost and director of WVU Extension Service. “We provide strong programs in this area and look forward to expanding our reach and making a difference under Cindy’s leadership.”

Fitch joined WVU Extension Service in August of 2008. She has a doctorate in nutrition from Case Western Reserve University, a master’s degree in nutrition from Texas Woman’s University and a bachelor’s degree in home economics from Texas Tech University. Fitch’s research has focused on understanding the relationships among nutrition, growth, development and health in children. She has also worked as a clinical dietician at two hospitals.

“I am so excited for this opportunity,” Fitch said. “I’m proud of the strong programs, faculty and the staff in this unit and am eager to get started. We have a very solid foundation in programs offered across the state such as Dining with Diabetes and our Family Nutrition Program. We’ve also seen great success with new initiatives, such as Financial Management, ‘We Can’ food canning and preservation and Venison 101. I hope to continue to build on those successes to help people live healthier, better lives.”

The Families and Health program unit is comprised of more than 35 WVU Extension agents and subject-matter faculty specialists, as well as staff, who deliver programs to youth, adults and families in communities throughout the state.

The WVU Extension Service serves as the “front porch” of WVU, with offices in all 55 counties. WVU Extension agents and specialists provide citizens with current, research-based programs in areas such as 4-H and youth development, agriculture, family and consumer sciences, health, leadership development and community and economic development.

Read more about WVU Extension and Fitch at www.ext.wvu.edu.

-WVU-
12/17/09

CONTACT: Ann Bailey Berry, WVU Extension Service
304-293-5691, ann.berry@mail.wvu.edu