Published on July 24, 2026 by Alison Ingle  
bourne licata

Two faculty members in Samford University's Department of Nutrition and Dietetics have been recognized by the Birmingham District Dietetic Association (BDDA) for their contributions to the profession. Emily Bourne, PhD, assistant professor, received the Outstanding Dietitian of the Year Award, while Ashley Licata ‘’13, PhD, associate professor and director of the Master of Science in Nutrition program, was named Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year. The two will also serve in key leadership roles for the organization during the coming year, with Bourne as president-elect and Licata as president.

Bourne's career has spanned clinical nutrition, health care leadership and higher education. Before joining Samford, she served in multiple leadership positions with Morrison Healthcare and as a WIC nutritionist, experiences that continue to shape her approach to teaching and mentoring future registered dietitian nutritionists.  

"My passion for professional development and growth inspires me to invest in the next generation of dietitians," Bourne said. "Helping future dietitians develop and grow personally, spiritually and professionally allows me to share the love of Jesus Christ through service." She added that Samford provides an environment where she can continue to grow while preparing students for meaningful careers in nutrition and dietetics. 

Licata, a Samford nutrition and dietetics alumna, returned to her alma mater after earning graduate degrees, completing research in sports nutrition and body composition, working as a sports dietitian for UAB Athletics and serving on the faculty at Winthrop University. Today, she leads Samford's Master of Science in Nutrition program, combining evidence-based nutrition with hands-on education for future health care professionals. 

"These honors reflect the excellence, passion and servant leadership Emily and Ashley bring to our students and the dietetics profession every day," said Lisa Baker, PhD, LICSW, interim chair of Samford's Department of Nutrition and Dietetics. "Their commitment to advancing the profession while investing in future dietitians exemplifies the mission of our department, and we are proud to see them recognized by their peers." 

 
Located in the Homewood suburb of Birmingham, Alabama, Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford enrolls 6,324 students from 44 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s 35 Most Beautiful College Campuses, Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and boasts one of the highest scores in the nation for its 97% Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.