Tiffany Strange will graduate with a master’s degree in nutritional and food science from the Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at West Virginia University on May 17. Although she has two degrees in nutrition and a solid plan for the future, this path wasn’t always on her radar.
Growing up in Cosby, Tennessee, Strange always had a passion for food. After high school graduation, she went straight into culinary school and became a pastry chef. After a few years in the field though, she developed a cinnamon allergy, effectively forcing a career change.
Strange soon found herself in a new position at a children’s academy, teaching kids about food and nutrition.
“I noticed how the kids were really excited about eating vegetables if they were involved in the process of cooking them,” Strange shared. “I was showing the kids and telling them about the foods before I cooked them, so they had the chance to interact with it before they were eating it. And that experience sent me into a wormhole about nutrition and dietetics.”
This experience struck a chord in Strange, lighting the way for her new path as she decided it was time to go back to school. She enrolled in the human nutrition and foods undergraduate program at the Davis College in 2019 and later graduated in 2023. Immediately after, she began pursuing her master’s degree in nutritional and food science with combined dietetic internship.
“Even though I’m a nontraditional student, I was still welcomed into the traditional pathway by all my classmates. I didn't go to college right out of high school, so I was able to come here and experience college with a little bit more maturity,” Strange said. “Having had work experience helped me take the difficult moments in stride. Even if something was not the most fun or if I didn’t love a class, I had learned to just power through and make it happen anyway.”
One thing that always helped Strange get through the good and bad moments was the community she found in the Davis College.
“My cohort is amazing. We’ve been through lots of classes together and have been able to help one another grow. Even though we were often complaining about difficult classes, we were able to bond over that and help each other get through it,” said Strange. “And beyond that, when I see people in the hallway here, most of the time I know their name or at least recognize them and say hello. It’s nice to have that acknowledgement of each other and know that we can work together.”
Strange’s path also has been shaped by mentorship and connection. She credits her faculty mentors—especially Janet Tou, human nutrition and foods professor, and Nettie Freshour, professor of human nutrition and foods and director of the dietetic internship program—for helping her succeed.
“I love Dr. Tou. She’s just amazing. She's been my cheerleader, advocate and helped me through everything. She wants you to put your best self forward so that you can succeed,” Strange said. “And then in my dietetics program, Dr. Freshour, is also amazing. She was the first person I met whenever I walked into this building, and she's been my beacon throughout college. If I had a question, I just ran straight to her. She's very knowledgeable, very kind and always very willing to help.”
Now, Strange is preparing to graduate and take her certification exams. Afterward, she will start a new job at WVU Medicine’s Bariatric Center, where she’ll educate patients undergoing bariatric surgery about long-term nutrition and wellness.
Strange’s path has been anything but linear, but that is what has made her a well-rounded student and person. Because of her unique experience, she encourages others not to let anything deter them from pursuing something unconventional.
“I went back to school when I was 29, so just know that it's never too late to start over. If you feel like you need a different career path or want to go back for an education boost, just go for it,” said Strange. “And the kids are fun! Don't think you're too old to hang out with your classmates. They have different experiences than you and can help you learn in different ways.”
The Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources envisions a world sustainably fed, clothed and sheltered. To learn more about the Davis College, visit davis.wvu.edu. Keep up with the latest updates and news on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube by following @WVUDavis.
-WVU-
slk/05/08/25
CONTACT: Sydney Keener
Communications Specialist
WVU Division for Land-Grant Engagement
304-293-8986; Sydney.Keener@mail.wvu.edu