Past & Present
The Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition has been making history since it was first founded in 1906, and it continues to make history today as our students tackle the nutrition challenges of our modern world.
In the early 1900s, the first 40 students at the University of Kentucky were taught food and elementary dietetics, followed by the development of Domestic Science and Home Economics programs, and family cooking demonstrations through Extension. All played a role in leading to the establishment of the Department of Nutrition and Food Science, which was renamed the Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition.
Every day, DHN students are making waves for their contributions to nutrition, research and their community. Explore where DHN began and where we are going!
DHN in the News
Our Stories
Unique restaurant at University of Kentucky serves up more than meals
UK students discover the impact of Italian food and culture
First-gen Medicine Grad Plans to ‘Pay It Forward’ With Career in Rural Medicine
UK’s Food as Health Alliance Celebrates Official Launch
Women Making History: UK Researcher Champions Cultural Understanding in Health Care
Lemon Tree Prepares Sweet Experience for Students, Patrons Alike
UK Working to Combat Martin County Obesity Rates
CAFE Recognizes its Top Researchers
UK Announces Patricia Brantley Todd Award Winners
'Behind the Blue': UK’s Alison Gustafson Helps Kentuckians Eat Healthier and Fight Obesity
UK Has League-Best 78 Student-Athletes on SEC Winter Sports Academic Honor Roll
Disability Resource Center Hosts Award Ceremony Honoring Students and Faculty
Chellgren Center Celebrates 28 Fellows and Announces 5 Endowed Professorships
UK Dietetics and Human Nutrition Nationally Recognized for Sustainability Efforts
Here's How Many Calories You Need to Burn a Week to Actually Lose Fat
UK Dietetics and Human Nutrition Students ‘Plate Up’ Healthy Recipes
UK Selects Patricia Brantley Todd Award Winners
UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Recognizes Those Who Empower Women
Four UK Faculty Members Named 2017-18 SEC ALDP Fellows
UK Food Access Survey Going On Now Thru Nov. 19
Wendell Berry Documentary Screening Coming to UK
UK Research Study Seeks Healthier People and Healthier Trees
Kentucky Places 92 on SEC Spring Academic Honor Roll
'Look and See' Wendell Berry’s Agrarian Teachings on the Big Screen
Graduating Student's Research Leaves Mark on Campus Kitchen of UK
WELD Program Participants Announced for 2017
UK Student Research Shows Gleaning Program is Effective
Radford, Garkovich Receive Ken Freedman Outstanding Advisor Awards
Three Faculty Members Chosen for Academic Leadership Development Institute
Department History
Timeline
- 1906: Food and elementary dietetics taught to 40 students
- 1908: School of Domestic Science became department in College of Arts and Sciences
- 1908: Course outline for Bachelor of Science with a major in domestic science developed
- 1910: Home Economics became department in College of Agriculture
- 1913: Helen Wolcott becomes first State Extension Agent
- 1914: Home demonstration agents hired to serve 12 counties
- 1918: Food labs equipped in Agriculture Hall and department operated cafeteria established
- 1922: “A Manual for Home Demonstration Clubs for Women” was published
- 1925: The first county homemakers’ organizations were established
- 1934: First cooperative house for women established on campus
- 1940: The Home Economics Building opened
- 1941: The college name changed to College of Agriculture and Home Economics
- 1942: Funkhouser building completed
- 1968: Department of Nutrition and Food Science established
- 1976: Lemon Tree Restaurant opens
- 2023: Food as Health Alliance is founded
Connect With Us
Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition
204 Funkhouser Building
Lexington, KY 40506
859-257-3800
dhn@uky.edu
