Elizabeth (Libby) MacQuillan, PhD, RDN, CHSE

Applied Food and Nutrition Program Director

Office Address: 420-I RFH
Phone: (616) 331-5549
Email: [email protected] 

Dr. MacQuillan serves as Program Director of the Applied Food and Nutrition program and Associate Professor in both the Clinical Dietetics and Applied Food and Nutrition programs. She earned her master’s degree and her Ph.D. from Western Michigan University, where she taught a variety of undergraduate dietetics courses before joining the College of Health Professions at GVSU in 2016.

Libby was the first Registered Dietitian in the U.S. to earn the Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator credential from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare in 2019. She continues to actively teach using simulation-based education and conducts research on assessing competence and skill development using simulation. Libby’s other research interests include gestational diabetes and its relationship to breastfeeding success and the spatial analysis of nutrition-related health outcomes. Her work has been published in numerous journals, including the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, Public Health Reports, Journal of Community Health, and Spatial and Spatio-temporal Epidemiology. She has also presented her research at the national meetings of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the Society for Simulation in Healthcare, and the American Public Health Association, in addition to numerous state-level professional meetings and conferences.

Jennifer Ford, EdD, MA, RDN

Clinical Dietetics Program Director

Office Address: 420-G RFH
Phone: (616) 331-5529
Email: [email protected] 

Jennifer serves as an Associate Professor and Program Director of the Clinical Dietetics Coordinated Graduate Program. She has over 20 years of experience as a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) and throughout her career has worked in a variety of settings, that include leadership roles, inpatient clinical dietetics, outpatient nutrition counseling in bone marrow transplant, hematology, oncology, surgical oncology, gastrointestinal and gynecological oncology, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, community/wellness, media/marketing. Her past dietetic experience also consists of working in cardiology, neurology, critical care, medical and surgical intensive care, gastrointestinal, orthopedics, medical surgical, nephrology, diabetes, women’s health, high-risk obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and bariatrics.

Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and a Master of Arts in Family and Consumer Sciences from Western Michigan University (WMU). She earned a Doctorate of Education (EdD) in Higher Education and Adult Learning through Walden University. Jennifer is also board-certified as a Specialist in Oncology Nutrition through the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

Her research areas include simulation-based education, competency-based education, diet, and disease prevention.

Randalynn (Randy) Hajek, MPH, RDN

Clinical Dietetics, Supervised Practice Coordinator

Office Address: 420-E RFH
Phone: (616) 331-5508
Email: [email protected] 

Randalynn (Randy) Hajek completed her Bachelor of Science in Dietetics at Central Michigan University and her Master of Public Health degree at Michigan State University; she completed her dietetic internship at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. She has worked as a clinical dietitian for over ten years with a wide array of experiences including establishing and growing several oncology nutrition programs. Randy has a big-picture approach to nutrition, as well as a clear understanding of treatment approaches, giving the field a unique perspective. She has worked with students in a variety of capacities, as an adjunct instructor, as well as a preceptor, and is excited to further that impact for future dietitians. In her spare time, Randy enjoys soaking up every moment with her two rescue pups. She also enjoys hiking, podcasts, current events, and thrifting shopping. Her favorite indulgences include coffee and fancy cheeses.

Kristi Chipman, DCN, MS, RDN, LD, FAND

Visiting Professor, Supervised Practice Clinical Coordinator

Office Address: 420-B RFH
Phone: (616) 331-5059
Email: [email protected] 

Dr. Chipman has over 18 years of experience as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). She holds a Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition from the University of North Florida. She also earned a Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences and a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from Iowa State University. Throughout her career, she has worked in a variety of settings. Her most recent professional experience includes owning a sports nutrition company and serving as the RDN for Ferris State University athletics. She also served on the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) Expanded Standards Committee, helping to develop the academic accreditation standards for advanced practice doctoral programs in nutrition and dietetics. Her professional and research interests are focused on sports nutrition and advancing the education for dietitians through advanced practice doctoral programs. When she is not working, she enjoys running, cross-country skiing, and reading. She lives with her husband and three boys.

Christopher Homa, MS, RDN

Visiting Professor, Supervised Practice Clinical Coordinator

Office Address: 420-C RFH
Phone: (616) 331-5811
Email: [email protected]

Professor Homa has over 7 years of experience as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). He is a 2018 graduate of Grand Valley State University’s Clinical Dietetics program. He has served as an adjunct instructor for both the Applied Food and Nutrition (AFN) and Clinical Dietetics (CD) programs, as well as at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC). His teaching reflects a commitment to mentoring future dietitians and advancing evidence-based practice. Professor Homa's clinical experience spans independent and assisted living communities, as well as corporate management roles, giving him a comprehensive view of nutrition care across diverse populations and settings. His career reflects a passion for innovation, education, and improving health outcomes through both clinical excellence and digital engagement. His research interests include individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), mental health, and weight status, specifically how variations in BMI may influence psychological risk factors. Outside of work, he enjoys trying new hobbies, such as learning to golf, and spending time outdoors with his fiancée and two dogs.