Ryan Messenger, a double major in the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS), in Exercise Science and Dietetics, has been selected to attend the Gilman Foreign Policy in Focus: Global Food Security seminar in Washington, DC, this June. In addition to this remarkable achievement, Messenger has been admitted to the combined Dietetic Internship and Master of Science of Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Health program at Miami University, beginning in August, and has been offered a coveted graduate assistantship.

Messenger shared, “This is incredibly meaningful for me, and I am grateful to be selected as a participant. Attending this seminar will give me a platform to learn about food security in a unique way and share experiences with professionals from a diverse range of fields and backgrounds. The knowledge I gain will help me to be a leader in my future career as a registered dietitian to aid issues of food insecurity in different communities. I am proud to represent WKU this June."

Many notable achievements have marked his journey to academic and professional success. Last summer, he participated in a 9-week sports nutrition internship at the Queensland Academy of Sport in Brisbane, Australia, where he worked with a group of athletes from various sports, including the Brisbane Broncos National Rugby League Women's team.

Messenger's commitment to service extends beyond the classroom. As the president of the WKU Disc Golf Club, he has helped the club grow to over 30 members and led the WKU Disc Golf Team to compete in 3 national championships. He has organized fundraising events with multiple disc golf communities that raised over $10,000 for breast cancer treatment and research for Lourdes Hospital. Additionally, he has volunteered as an actor in the Historic Rail Park and Train Museum's Haunted Lantern Tours fundraiser for three consecutive years.

Dr. Karen Mason, Associate professor of Dietetics at WKU, said, “Ryan wholeheartedly epitomizes the ideal WKU student and truly represents what we hope for every graduate of our university. He is likely the most intelligent, hard-working, goal-driven, and responsible student I have had the pleasure of having in class and advising.”