Carol Papillon honored with emerita status
Carol Papillon, recently retired faculty member in the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the title of senior instructor emerita and director emerita of the Virginia Tech Internship in Nutrition and Dietetics by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.
The emerita title may be conferred on retired faculty members who are specially recommended to the board by Virginia Tech President Tim Sands in recognition of exemplary service to the university. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board receive a copy of the resolution and a certificate of appreciation.
A member of the Virginia Tech community for more than 28 years, Papillon was the director of the accredited Internship in Nutrition and Dietetics, built the nationally recognized program’s reputation, and guided over 450 individuals to develop successful careers in the dietetics profession. In addition, Papillon expanded the university’s reach within the greater Washington, D.C., metro area and throughout the commonwealth by establishing the internship program in multiple locations.
Papillon held leadership positions in professional organizations, including serving as president of the Virginia Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She received numerous professional honors and awards, including the Virginia Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Distinguished Dietitian Award, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Outstanding Dietetic Educator Award, and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Faculty Service Award.
In the classroom, she taught undergraduate and graduate courses throughout the dietetics curriculum, and, for over 25 years, managed a nutrition counseling service that provided skill development for dietetics students and services to university community members to improve their health. Throughout her career, Papillon served as a committee member for master’s students, and delivered multiple invited professional presentations and published articles.
Papillon received her bachelor’s degree from Valparaiso University and a master’s degree in public health from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Written by Anja Hemesath, a senior and student writer for Virginia Tech Communications and Marketing
