Alumni Spotlight - Dallas Parson

What is your current occupation?
I am currently working at Selah House, a residential eating disorder center in Anderson, Indiana as lead dietitian for adult clients.

What brought you to USI?
I attended Ball State my freshman year, but after changing my degree to dietetics I transferred to USI. I ultimately made the move to be closer to family. I really appreciated the smaller class sizes USI offered my junior and senior years. This made learning feel directed for the students' needs in the moment. 

Please tell us how the College of Nursing and Health Professions prepared you for your career.
The College of Nursing and Health Professions offered a lot of opportunities for collaborative care with other health fields. I specifically remember working with the dental hygiene students to aid in the treatment of periodontal disease.

Were you in any clubs, organizations, athletics?
I was a member of the Food and Nutrition Student Organization throughout my time at USI and served on the board my senior year. I genuinely appreciated the dietetics mentor program that started my junior year. I'm still friends with my senior mentor from this.

What has been your favorite memory of your time at USI?
Some of my favorite memories of USI were: unique volunteer opportunities, the ability to openly ask questions in class, hearing Dr. Theuri provide insight on nutrition/health in other countries like Kenya (it is now on my travel bucket list), and genuinely the friendships.

What would you tell someone who is thinking of coming to USI?
When considering if USI is the university for you I would encourage you to reach out to the program director for your field of interest and schedule a meeting to better understand what the program offers. For me, it was the unique experiences like collaboration of care with other health profession disciplines that led me to USI.