USU Extension Specialist Represents Discipline Nationally

Lindsey Shirley, Utah State University Extension clothing and textiles specialist and USU assistant professor, was recently elected to represent family and consumer sciences education issues on a national coalition.

 

Shirley was recognized at the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences 100th Annual Conference in June when she was elected to the board of directors for the National Family and Consumer Sciences Education Association. She will serve a three-year term, also representing the FCSEA on the National Coalition for Family and Consumer Sciences Education.

 

“The opportunity to serve in this capacity is an honor that brings with it great responsibility to position FCS education for continued and future growth,” Shirley said. “Family and consumer sciences education as a discipline and profession fills an important niche in today's society.”

 

The coalition was established in 1977 and provides a unified voice on issues related to family and consumer sciences education. Membership includes representatives from three professional organizations in family and consumer sciences: the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, the Association for Career and Technical Education, and the Family and Consumer Sciences Education Association. It also includes the national student organization for family and consumer sciences — the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America.

 

Shirley has also served on the Family and Consumer Science Alliance as a representative of FCSEA and the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. But, Shirley does not just represent family and consumer sciences education nationwide; she said she is passionate about teaching it to undergraduate students at Utah State University.

 

The family and consumer sciences education program at USU has more than 125 students and is one of the largest programs in the nation. According to Werhan and Way, in 2006, 90 percent of states reported a shortage of secondary family and consumer sciences teachers, including Utah.

 

“We are preparing pre-service teachers to teach concepts related to financial literacy, nutrition and food preparation ? knowledge and skills important for living and thriving in today's economy and society,” she said. “With economic stresses, health and wellness issues and environmental compromise a reality, FCS teachers at secondary and post-secondary levels can help prepare individuals and families with the necessary tools to improve quality of life.”

 

For more information about the family and consumer sciences education program at USU, contact Shirley at 435-797-3410 or lindsey.shirley@usu.edu.

 

Writer: Lisa Woodworth, 435-797-0810, lisa.woodworth@usu.edu