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ALAFCS 2017 State Conference 3/1/2017   The Alabama Affiliate of the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences held their annual state conference at the Child Development Research Center on the University of Alabama Campus last week. The theme of the conference was "FCSfit- Health and Well-Being of a Changing Society".  For over 100 years, the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences, founded as the American Home Economics Association has provided leadership and support to professionals whose work assists individuals, families, and communities in making informed decisions about their well-being, relationships, and resources to achieve optimal quality of life. AAFCS is the only professional association for family and consumer sciences (FCS) students and professionals. The Alabama Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (ALAFCS), a state affiliate of the AAFCS, provides scholarships, works on projects throughout the year including Coops for Troops, supports the promotion of "Filling the FCS Educator Pipeline" through social media presentations, conducts the Annual ALAFCS Conference, and much more.  Explore what a Consumer Science degree from the College of Human Environmental Sciences can do for you!  And don't forget to follow us on Facebook. UGA Pacesetter Award 2/28/2017   Dr. Melissa Wilmarth and Big Al Congratulations to Dr. Melissa Wilmarth on receiving the University of Georgia's Pacesetter Award! The UGA Pacesetter award goes to an individual who has graduated from the college within the last 10 years and who actively promotes the beliefs and values of Family and Consumer Sciences. Dr. Melissa Wilmarth, assistant professor in the department of consumer sciences in the College of Human Environmental Sciences, has been on the road to success ever since her graduation from the University of Georgia with her Ph.D. in consumer economics. Her current research involves investigating the economic well-being of families. Through her research, Wilmarth hopes to find ways that will assist both individuals and families in improving their lives by making better economic decisions.  She has published nine peer-reviewed journal articles, with five more currently under review, and one book chapter. Dr. Robert Nielsen, Associate Professor at UGA's Family and Consumer Science department of financial planning, housing and consumer economics said, "Dr. Wilmarth is setting the pace as the first (and still only) FHCE doctoral program graduate to serve as principle investigator on a federally-funded research grant while an assistant professor".  In addition, Wilmarth was the recipient of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Family and Consumer Sciences Research Journal Emerging Scholar Award, a member of a team that received a National Council on Family Relations Family Economics focus group best paper award, and was this year's recipient of Iowa State University's College of Human Sciences Outstanding Young Professional Award. The outstanding amount of recognition Wilmarth has received in the few years since graduating from UGA is a sign of her immense dedication and passion for her studies. "FACS gave me the opportunity to work one on one with faculty and truly develop skills for my future career," Wilmarth said. "My current position includes responsibilities in research, teaching, and service; all of which I experienced in FACS." On top of her research, Wilmarth also strives to create meaningful experiences for students in the classroom, similar to those she received in FACS. She has redeveloped courses and incorporated more real-world issues in an effort to advance students' learning. "Dr. Wilmarth has managed to maintain rigor in the classroom yet also be one of the most sought after professors in our department," said Milla Boschung, dean of the College of Human Environmental Sciences here at the University of Alabama.  Dr. Melissa Wilmarth in the classroom Scholarship Winner 11/23/2016   Marla Hogue (l) and Dean Boschung The Community Foundation of West Alabama recently held a statewide essay contest to award their newly established Elois Zeanah Endowed Scholarship. HES Consumer Science sophomore, Marla Hogue, was named the first recipient of this scholarship for her outstanding essay titled "The Most Challenging Issues Facing My Generation". As a Family Financial Planning & Counseling major, she sees the benefits of planning for the future and hopes to help families and individuals create their own plans for future success. As she stated in her essay, "I am a firm believer that one should be disciplined in all areas of life, whether it is health, finances, family or faith." ​ In addition to her college studies, Marla is also part of a pilot program that provides peer-to-peer financial literacy education here on campus. Marla's civic participation and commitment to her community began even before she arrived at the University. She was recognized by the Tuscaloosa Teachers Credit Union as one of their Star Seniors for her work in academics and community service in the Tuscaloosa County area. Her honors also included Alabama Girl's State, TCHS Ambassadors and National Honor Society. She was also active in Key Club, Forerunners, and the Capstone Leadership Academy. Marla Hogue (2nd from right) with members of the Community Foundation of West Alabama <<Previous

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