Great school nutrition programs need great leaders. The Certificate in Excellence in School Nutrition from the John C. Stalker Institute of Food and Nutrition at Framingham State University is designed to help school nutrition professionals build the knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills needed to advance their careers.
The program’s impact is reflected in its graduates. This year, seven school nutrition professionals successfully completed the Certificate in Excellence in School Nutrition, joining a growing network of leaders who have strengthened their expertise and advanced their careers through the program. Their achievement demonstrates the commitment, professional growth, and leadership development that define the certificate experience and inspire the next cohort of participants.
This respected undergraduate certificate program features three fully remote courses focused on the core areas of school nutrition leadership:
- Foodservice Systems
- Management and Organizational Behavior
- Nutrition Foundations
Participants can complete the program in as little as one year while continuing to work in their current role. The program is ideal for:
- School Nutrition Directors
- Assistant Directors
- School and district chefs
- Nutrition Managers interested in advancing their leadership opportunities
Coursework is aligned with competencies developed for school nutrition directors and helps participants develop practical skills that can be applied immediately in their districts.
Feedback That Speaks For Itself
How has earning the Certificate in Excellence in School Nutrition impacted your work or your role in school nutrition?
“I have worked in this district for 14 years. A couple of years ago, I started to research ways to enhance my knowledge of school food service, and I came across this program at the John Stalker Institute. Since I work full-time, the fact that the classes were all remote was perfect for my busy schedule. Our classes met via Zoom one night per week and on a couple of Saturdays. The class sizes were small, so I got to know some really amazing people. Being in the same field was incredibly beneficial and the professors were all fantastic, too! We all had careers in school food service in common and could bounce issues, ideas and suggestions off one another and we get some great insight!”
What advice would you give someone who is thinking about enrolling in the Certificate in Excellence program?
“Having a better understanding of how food systems work was very beneficial, and I learned a lot about myself in our management class. I am incorporating much of this knowledge in my day-to-day work environment, and I am very proud to have completed the Certificate of Excellence in School Nutrition.”
Janet Dixon, Kitchen Manager and Cook
H.P. Clough Elementary School in Mendon, MA
In addition, the certificate has been accepted by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) as a state-recognized certification for School Nutrition Directors under USDA Professional Standards, making it a valuable credential for career growth.
For decades, the John C. Stalker Institute of Food and Nutrition has supported the professional development of school nutrition leaders across New England. If you’re ready to strengthen your expertise, expand your leadership potential, and make an even greater impact on student nutrition, the Class of 2027 is the perfect place to start.
Important Enrollment Information
Applications for the Class of 2027 are now being accepted. To secure your place in the cohort and begin classes in January 2027, complete your application by November 30, 2026. For complete program details, admission requirements, and application instructions, visit: Certificate in Excellence in School Nutrition – John C. Stalker Institute of Food and Nutrition.
Invest in yourself. Strengthen your program. Lead with excellence. Enroll by November 30, 2026, and take the next step toward becoming a leader in school nutrition.