Faculty Spotlight – Dr. Lisa H. Akers
Lisa Akers
Each month, faculty and staff are recognized for their enormous contribution to Union. In the words of President Sublett, “Only people make a difference in an organization and only people are important in our lives.”
This month the spotlight is on Dr. Lisa H. Akers, Ph.D., RDN, IBCLC, RLC, FAND. Lisa is the Program Chair for the Master of Arts Online Program Health & Wellness and Bachelor of Science Maternal & Child Health Program. Lisa says this is her dream job. Find out why in the Q&A below.
Q. What excites you about being a part of higher education?
A. Facilitating the learning of our future citizens and healthcare providers.
Q. What attracted you to become a part of the Union family?
A. The flexible and supportive work environment.
Q. If you could have any job in the whole world, what would it be?
A. I am doing it now. From the time I became a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) I dreamed of directing a program to educate and train future RDNs and IBCLCs. This dream is one of the reasons that I went on to earn my Ph.D., so I could be better leveraged to make this dream a reality.
Q. What surprises people about you?
A. My hobbies outside of my day time job often surprise people. On my down time I am a seamstress and a motorcycle enthusiast. In fact, when the weather cooperates you will often find my husband and me taking long, leisurely motorcycle rides through the mountains where we live.
Q. What is your favorite book, and why?
A. I am honestly not sure that I have just one favorite, but among my favorites is “The Red Tent.” It is a historical fiction novel that is based on what little is known of Dinah from the Bible. The novel creates a storyline around what life was like for women of Biblical times.