Inside Education and Health Sciences

Rebecca Gonter-Dray, assistant clinical professor for dietetics and nutrition in the Department of Health and Sport Science, was honored with two distinctive awards from the nutrition and dietetics community in January.

Gonter-Dray was selected as Ohio's 2025 Outstanding Dietetics Educator by the Ohio Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Association. This award is determined based on faculty and student letters of recommendation and educator achievements that include evidence of innovative teaching skills and techniques; distinctive and impactful mentoring; and leadership within the profession, job and service.

The second recognition comes from Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for an Outstanding Dietetic Educator award. Gonter-Dray was selected to represent the North Central region for UD's dietetic internship program, of which she is the clinical and community coordinator. The award program aims to recognize the teaching, mentoring, and leadership activities of faculty in ACEND®-accredited dietetics education programs. 

Gonter-Dray was nominated for both awards by Jennifer Dalton, program coordinator for dietetics at UD, and supported by letters of recommendation from students in the program. 

"I am grateful to work alongside Becky who exemplifies compassionate, empathetic, and innovative teaching in dietetics, consistently creating transformative, high-impact learning experiences for our students," Dalton said. "She mentors students at every stage of their academic journey, challenging them to explore fully how they are called to serve in our world, to embrace leadership, continuous learning, and to develop authentic relationships and give service to the field of dietetics with dedication and resilience."

Gonter-Dray serves as a professor, academic advisor, student organization advisor and mentor to many of the students in the program. 

"Dr. Gonter-Dray embodies qualities that make her not only an exceptional professor but also an irreplaceable mentor and leader," said senior Anna Caldwell. "Her empathy, integrity, and unwavering support have left a lasting impact on all of us fortunate enough to work with her. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of the Outstanding Dietetics Educator Award than Dr. Gonter-Dray."