Title: Distinguished Emeritus Professor, Department of Pediatrics
Company: Baylor College of Medicine
Location: Houston, Texas, United States
Theresa A. Nicklas, DrPH, distinguished emeritus professor in the department of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements, and leadership in health care.
With four decades of experience to her credit, Dr. Nicklas has established a successful career in academia, focusing on public health and nutrition. She currently serves as a distinguished emeritus professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine, a role she has held since 2022. Her career includes serving as a professor in the same department at Baylor from 1999 to 2022 and as an instructor at Louisiana State University starting in 1984. She has also contributed her expertise beyond academia. She served as a committee member for the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and volunteered with Meals on Wheels. She laid a strong educational foundation with a Bachelor of Science in dietetics and nutrition from Rochester Institute of Technology, a Master of Science from Tulane University School of Public Health, and a Doctor of Public Health from Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine in 1987.
Reflecting on her path, during her first year at a college in Long Island, Dr. Nicklas worked with a social worker in Atlanta, Georgia, visiting homes to assess whether children were in danger or living in abusive environments and making decisions about their safety. Later, as a sophomore, she began rehabilitating severely malnourished children, an experience that inspired her to pursue a career in nutrition. This decision also led her to transfer to another college to earn her Bachelor of Science in dietetics and nutrition. She has also authored over 350 peer-reviewed scientific publications, and served on national committees, including the Dietary Guidelines for Americans committee. Convening every five years, this committee sets national standards for public policy and nutrition, and she was one of just 13 members selected nationwide to contribute to this work.
Dr. Nicklas attributes her success to the values instilled in her by her parents, who provided her with a strong foundation. Determined to educate and inspire her students, she faced financial challenges head-on. While her father supported her college education, she took full responsibility for funding her master’s degree and doctorate. It was not until the age of 40 that she fully paid off her educational loans. She aspires to inspire young people to believe in their dreams and fight for what they want. She firmly believes that if she could achieve her goals, anyone can. Each day, she strives to make a positive impact, whether through a simple smile, a kind word, or a thoughtful compliment to brighten someone’s day. She attributes her success to persistence, commitment, honesty, and integrity.
In the coming years, Dr. Nicklas plans to prioritize her health, continue helping others, and make the most of her time. Grateful for the support she has received from the community and taxpayers, she is dedicated to giving back and contributing positively to society. She also describes herself as a deeply spiritual person, and remains committed to actively practicing her religion and to continue volunteering, as she is currently helping to feed 400 homeless individuals daily through her religious affiliation.
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