Jaeana Tooson
College of Agriculture, Food and Environment alum, Jaeana Tooson came to UK as a first-generation student from Oak Grove with a desire to help others live healthier lives.
“I chose the dietetics program based on a conviction in my heart from God to serve the community through food and nutrition,” said Tooson. “This program contributed to my career goals of empowering the community through practical and relevant knowledge and skills that bring people together and improve their quality of life.”
Tooson reflects back on her favorite course, Quantity Food Production (DHN 342), where she and fellow students operated a full-service restaurant — the Lemon Tree. During the semester, students rotated through front-of-house and back-of-house positions, and Tooson enjoyed improving her cooking skills and serving as a waitress.
Experimental Foods (DHN 304) is another memorable course where Tooson collaborated with students to develop Plate It Up Kentucky Proud recipes featuring Kentucky produce. She took this class with her boyfriend, who is now her husband, and talks about the value of sharing the same education and career experiences.
“Having the same degree has created a unique bond between us, and I feel so privileged and spoiled by him having gone through a lot of the classes and taking his Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) exam before me,” said Tooson. “We reinforce the knowledge we have gained with each other today as practicing dietitians, and it is a joy to have a husband who also shares the same career interests.”
Tooson also jokes that her son is basically a registered dietitian since she was pregnant while completing her dietetic internship and taking the CDR exam. Her internship also took place during a pandemic where supervised practice hours were moved from onsite to virtual experiences.
“My internship directors, Dr. Liz Combs and Mr. Aaron Schwartz, were cape-less heroes during what was one of the hardest internship experiences in the history of the UK Dietetics and Human Nutrition program.”
There is another professor in the department who has been particularly supportive and impactful throughout her college career.
“Ms. Yolanda Jackson always reinforced the value of black dietitians and validated my choice of career.”
When asked about advice for incoming freshmen, Tooson encourages new students to apply to as many scholarships as they can.
“Our college has hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarship funds available and a plethora of people who are kindhearted and willing to help,” said Tooson. “I would also say don’t be afraid to get a second opinion when someone tells you that something will not work for you. You have the power and authority to shape your class schedule and college experience to be the way you desire.”
When your goals are wildly ambitious, in a community that’s wildly strong, and with a commitment that’s wildly powerful, you’ll see what’s wildly possible.