Bethune-Cookman University News June 2017 B-CU Graduate Becomes USDA Director for the Office of the Chief Scientist Dr. Dionne Toombs, a 2003 graduate of Bethune-Cookman University was recently appointed to Director for the Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). In her new role, she provides leadership on a wide range of issues affecting science programs and science policy in agricultural research, education, and economics. Formerly, Dr. Toombs served as the Director of the Division of Nutrition for the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). During her time with NIFA, she lead a collaboration of nutrition science leaders across the Department. Under her leadership, the Division provided direction in science policy and program development to ensure the safety of America's food supply and the availability of healthy food to its citizens. Additionally, Dr. Toombs has served as National Program Leader for NIFA's Agriculture Food and Research Initiative (AFRI), leading large competitive grant programs to fund research into nutrition, food science and technology, and food safety. Dr. Toombs received her Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences from Howard University. She earned her Master of Science degree from Alabama A & M University and her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Bethune-Cookman University in 2003. SANDRA M. PHOENIX HBCU Library Alliance Executive Director Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library 111 James P. Brawley Drive SW Atlanta, GA 30314 404-978-2118 (office) 404-702-5854 (cell) http://www.hbculibraries.org/ sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org%3cmailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org>> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ and Twitter https://twitter.com/HBCULibAlliance Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/