Newsroom

Thiel College names nutrition program director to lead new bachelor’s degree

Posted April 16, 2026   Print
Willey smiling nutrition director story 2026

GREENVILLE, Pa.-- Thiel College has appointed Katheryn E. Willey as program director for the College’s new Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and its planned Master of Science program.

Thiel College has recently announced the launch of its new Bachelor of Science in nutrition program, designed to prepare students for careers focused on health promotion, disease prevention, and community wellness.

Willey will oversee curriculum development, program growth and student preparation for careers in dietetics, public health and clinical nutrition. The Bachelor of Science in nutrition is designed to prepare students for careers focused on health promotion, disease prevention and community wellness, with coursework in human biology, food science, metabolism and nutrition across the lifespan. The program also includes experiential learning and internship opportunities to support preparation for professional practice and graduate study.


Willey brings experience in clinical nutrition, higher education and healthcare leadership. She is a registered dietitian, licensed dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist with a background in chronic disease management, medical nutrition therapy and telehealth counseling. She is also founder and CEO of Simply Science Nutrition Counseling LLC, a multi-state virtual nutrition practice serving clients across the United States.

An experienced educator, Willey has taught nutrition and health science courses at Youngstown State University and Carrington College. Willey’s work has received national and regional recognition. She was named a Marquis Who’s Who in America honoree for 2025. Her private practice received the Business Rate “Best Of” Award for Nutritionists in Northwestern Pennsylvania in 2025, and she was ranked No. 1 nutritionist in Mercer County, Pa., in January 2026 based on Google review performance.

She is pursuing a Doctor of Education in leadership, health and wellness at the American College of Education, with research focused on improving health outcomes through evidence-based nutrition education.

The addition of a program director supports Thiel College’s continued expansion of health sciences programs and strengthens pathways for students pursuing careers in healthcare systems, community health organizations and public wellness initiatives.

Related Links

Related Stories

Office of Admission

Media Contact

Dominick DiRienzo M.A.’22
Director of Communications and Marketing

 ddirienzo@thiel.edu
 724-589-2188

BROWSE BY CATEGORY

Academics ( 975 )
Admission ( 283 )
Alumni ( 411 )
Athletics ( 208 )
College Advancement ( 306 )
Community ( 540 )
Events ( 408 )
Faculty & Staff ( 745 )
In The News ( 43 )
Performing Arts ( 155 )
Students ( 1032 )

BROWSE BY YEAR

2026 (53)
2025 (174)
2024 (168)
2023 (152)
2022 (150)
2021 (141)
2020 (146)
2019 (123)
2018 (157)
2017 (129)
2016 (119)
2015 (110)
2014 (52)
2013 (33)
2012 (41)

Thiel College Shield

Thiel College
75 College Ave
Greenville, PA 16125
1-800-248-4435