Dr. Amy Richards is an associate professor who teaches multiple undergraduate and graduate nutrition courses, and she directs the undergraduate dietetics program. She loves teaching and advising students as well as conducting research and presenting to groups. She is the lead advisor for the Beta Sigma chapter of Phi Upsilon Omicron (honor society in Family and Consumer Sciences). She has held numerous volunteer leadership positions in professional organizations over the years and is active in the West TN Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

She grew up on a cattle ranch in western South Dakota which instilled a love for nature, animals, and the outdoors. A lot of time in her youth was spent driving farm equipment and doing other tasks in the production and harvesting of wheat, oats, corn, grass seed, and hay. Prior work experience includes working as a registered dietitian for the South Dakota Department of Education where she was the Team Nutrition Coordinator for the state and provided training and technical assistance to schools and childcare centers to help them prepare healthy meals and promote physical activity. Other prior work experience includes being an instructor and dietetic internship director for the University of South Dakota; serving as the registered dietitian for interdisciplinary pediatric development clinics; and overseeing menus for the Head Start Program in Vermillion, SD. Favorite summer activities include vegetable and flower gardening, hiking, and going on nature walks with family and friends. You can find her at the gym jogging, lifting weights, utilizing the machines, and stretching 3-4 days a week during the summer and at least once a week during the school year (more often when time allows).