The Prentiss native was among 300 people selected from a field of 65,000 American Dietetic Association (ADA) members vying for a seat at the conference.

Lofton co-directs Southern Miss’ Delta Nutrition Intervention Research Initiative (Delta NIRI), a consortium of communities and universities working together to improve nutrition and health in individuals living in the Delta regions of Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas.

“The Leadership Institute was a great experience for me,” said Lofton, who also serves as president of the South Central District of the Mississippi Dietetic Association. “The conference encouraged me to take a more proactive role with my peers, students and the community in providing effective nutrition education. I was also introduced to several methods used in business communication settings that will help improve communication in group settings, reduce conflict, and help teams remain focused on the mission and vision of the organization.”

Lofton joined forces with Southern Miss on the Delta NIRI project five years ago. Kathy Yadrick, director of Southern Miss’ department of nutrition and food systems, finds it easy to boast about Lofton, who she describes as a ‘great mentor and role model’ for young people.

Lofton was inspired to become a research dietitian after seeing the dire need for change in some of the educational programs being provided across the state – especially in rural areas. Lofton’s passion to make a difference led her on a campaign to assess and design programs that were more suited to meet the needs of Mississippians.

“I am learning the community wants to take part in developing their own health programs and would like more support and motivation to carry out healthy changes,” she said. “People are also calling for more accessible healthy foods and safe places to become more physically active.”

While Lofton strives daily to bring those changes to fruition within schools, churches and in the workplace across the state, she believes the success of her mission will be determined by the amount of community involvement. But she said she is confident though, as Southern Miss has provided multiple opportunities for her in her efforts to boost morale in neighborhoods across Mississippi and beyond.

“I have traveled and met many health care professionals from around the world, and I feel I have obtained a high degree of knowledge and personal development to work with people from all areas,” she said.

Lofton is very active as a community volunteer. She provides nutrition and education and professional consultation for Head Start programs, including PACE in Hattiesburg and the Five County Child Development Program, based in her hometown. She has also served as a research mentor for minority undergraduate students under the USDA Agricultural Sciences Enrichment Program and through the National Cancer Institute-funded Deep South Network for Cancer Control.

“As an adjunct instructor at a university that I believe has the best nutrition and food program in the nation, I always try to encourage present and prospective students to take a proactive role in promoting optimal health in their communities.”

To learn more about Lofton’s work with the Delta NIRI or other ongoing projects within Southern Miss’ Department of Nutrition and Food Systems, call 601.266.4479.

Last updated: 02/28/06