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Name: Dr. Erika Ireland
Title: Dietetic Program Director and Faculty
Department: Food Science and Nutrition, Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology
Academic Degree(s):

• B.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN); Fresno State
• Master's in Public Health (MPH); Fresno State
• Ed.D. in Educational Leadership; Fresno State
• Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES); American Association of Diabetes Educators

How long have you worked at Fresno State?
I have truly come full circle at Fresno State. I first became a Bulldog as a student in the 1990s, never imagining that I would return to the same campus decades later to teach future nutrition professionals. I returned in 2011 as a part-time lecturer, and after having my son in 2012, I transitioned to full-time teaching and took on leadership of the post-baccalaureate Dietetic Internship Program. Before joining the faculty, I worked extensively in clinical and public health nutrition, and that real-world experience continues to shape my teaching, leadership, and mentorship of future nutrition professionals. In February 2025, I had the incredible opportunity to apply for a tenure-track position, and I officially joined the ranks of tenure-track faculty as an assistant professor in August of the same year. It is surreal to think I have gone from student to faculty member here, truly a full-circle moment.

Are you a Valley native?
I like to say I am California-grown. I was born in Sacramento but raised in the Central Valley, where I became a proud product of the Fresno Unified School District. My parents were small business owners in Fresno, and their example taught me the value of hard work and the importance of community. As a first-generation college student, Fresno State represented both opportunity and a sense of belonging. Being educated and now teaching here feels like the most natural extension of my roots as someone truly Bulldog born and bred.

Are you a Bulldog family with generations of Bulldog graduates or current students?
Absolutely. Fresno State has become part of my family’s story. My son, Finn, has grown up on this campus (literally was in the early education daycare since infancy), and it already feels like home to him. He knows where my office is, where to find the best snacks, and he proudly wears his Bulldog gear. I love that he is growing up surrounded by the sense of community and purpose that shaped me. In many ways, my connection with students feels personal because we share common experiences such as being first-generation, local, and determined to make a difference through education.

Do you have a campus mentor or someone who has helped you in your career?
I have been fortunate to have several mentors throughout my time at Fresno State who have encouraged me to lead boldly, teach creatively, and stay grounded in purpose. One particularly meaningful connection has been with the program director I had as a student, who later became the dean, Dr. Sandra Witte, and ultimately hired me into a full-time teaching role. Knowing that she believed in me enough to bring me back to Fresno State as a colleague has been one of the greatest gifts of my career.

Tell us about your department and what people may not know about it.
The Department of Food Science and Nutrition is a small-ish but mighty department. We prepare students to become registered dietitians, food scientists, and research professionals who serve our region and beyond. Nutrition is a fascinating and rigorous science that combines chemistry, biology, and behavioral health to improve lives. What many people do not realize is that there are only about 112,000 registered dietitians nationwide and roughly 250 accredited programs that offer the professional pathway to become one. I am incredibly proud that Fresno State is one of those programs and that our department continues to support the future of the nutrition and dietetics profession. The size of our departments means we all wear about six hats before lunch, but we do it because we love what we do and who we serve.

What is your most notable accomplishment in your field, and why was it important?
In 2017, I was honored to be recognized as an "Outstanding Educator" at the national level within my profession. It was a moment that affirmed my commitment to teaching and mentoring future dietitians. That same year, I experienced a major personal loss when my home was destroyed by fire. What could have been an incredibly isolating experience became something very different when our students and staff organized a crowdfunding effort to help me rebuild. It was one of the most humbling experiences of my life and a reminder of the deep sense of community that exists within Fresno State. The award recognized my work, but the support I received reminded me why that work is so important.

What are you most passionate about in your field and why?
I am passionate about helping students connect nutrition science to real human lives. Whether it is mentoring a future dietitian, integrating AI into teaching, or helping a student discover their professional voice, I am driven by seeing people grow in confidence and competence.

What is a memorable moment you had at your job?
Every time a student emails years later to say they passed their exam, got their dream job, or are leading their own team, that is the moment. Those messages never get old.

What is your favorite quote or saying?
My favorite quote is: "Do what is easy and your life will be hard. Do what is hard and your life will become easy." — Les Brown. I am paraphrasing a bit when I share it with students and colleagues, because it speaks to a choice. We can choose our “easy” by doing the hard things now so that the future looks different.

What is the most interesting or unusual job you've ever had?
Before academia, I worked across public health, clinical practice and community education. At one point, I was teaching nutrition in nontraditional settings that really taught me adaptability and humor. It is hard to intimidate someone who has taught teenagers about fiber.

What do you like to do for fun in your spare time?
I love spending time with my son, Finn. He keeps me laughing and grounded. We love being in nature, traveling, and finding new foodie experiences together

What is something interesting about you that most people don’t know?
I tend to be an early adopter who enjoys trying new tools and ideas, but I also appreciate the comfort of the familiar. I enjoy exploring how technology can enhance the creativity of learning and teaching. Even artificial intelligence has a place in that process for me, and I occasionally let it roast me just to keep things light.

Is there something else you would like to share that was not asked?
I am grateful to be part of a university that values both innovation and heart. My journey has come full circle here, and I am reminded every day that our students are the reason I love this work.