FACS researchers have received three major grants that are allowing them to expand and refine their projects.

   Dr. Gene Brody (Research Professor, Child and Family Development) received $3.1 million from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism to develop prevention programs to decrease alcohol and substance use by African-American children living in rural Georgia. The project builds on Brody’s long-term research with African-American families, identifying their coping mechanisms and effective parenting strategies.

   Dr. Velma McBride Murry (Associate Professor, Child and Family Development) has secured $3.2 million from the National Institutes for Mental Health to develop a program designed to decrease young African-Americans risk for HIV/AIDS. Murry’s focus is on parenting practices that help children develop positive self-concepts, which other research shows has a positive buffering effect against risk behaviors.

   Researchers in the Foods and Nutrition Department have received a $2.1 million grant from the US Department of Agriculture to expand a project focused on developing and testing a culturally appropriate dietary intervention for African-American children and their families.

   The researchers — Dr. Rebecca Mullis (Department Head, FDN), Gail Hanula (Public Service Assistant and Extension Nutrition/EFNEP Specialist), and Marilyn Hughes (Research Scientist), as well as Dr. Thomas E. Reeves in the College of Education — plan to recruit fourth-graders through the Atlanta Public School System and their families to participate. The program will work through the Expanded Food and Nutrition Program using home videos mailed to the participants’ homes. The researchers believe that by the end of the study the children, as well as their parents, will ask for and eat more fruits, juice, vegetables and lower-fat foods.

   More than 100 people attended the 2001 Alumni Awards Luncheon at the Athens Country Club, which included a tour of the UGA President’s House and a talk by Mrs. Mary L. Adams, wife of UGA President Michael Adams. Awards also were presented to alumni and friends of Family and Consumer Sciences.

   Beth Epling (BSHE ’70, Home Economics Education) received the Distinguished Alumni Award. Ms. Ep-ling spent many years as the 4-H Director in Effingham County and also was a leader in 4-H throughout the state of Georgia. Since retiring, she has taken on the role of Education Coordinator for the New Ebenezer Retreat Center in Effingham County.

   Geraldine Clarke (BSHE ’76, Child and Family Development, MED ’96, Adult Education) received the FACS Outstanding Service Award. Ms. Clarke, Director of Resident Services for the Athens Housing Authority, also has served the Athens community through her work with the Girl Scouts, the United Way, the YWCO and the Commission on People with Disabilities.

   Dr. Karen Shetterley (Ph.D.’91, Child and Family Development) received the Emily Quinn Pou Professional Achievement Award. As a Senior Program Developer at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education, Dr. Shetterley develops and implements programming in the areas of child and family development and adult aging. She also manages and directs grants for the center totaling $9 million.

Kindra Watters (BSFCS ’93, Home Economics and Journalism) was awarded the FACS Pacesetter Award. Ms. Watters works for the Georgia Department of Agriculture in the area of commodities promotions. She also serves as President of the FACS Alumni Association for 2001-2002.

   Dr. William Flatt (Professor Emeritus, Foods and Nutrition) was awarded the Creswell Award for his leadership in motivating and guiding students. In addition, Dr. Flatt and his wife, June, have established several scholarships and recognitions for outstanding FACS students. Although officially retired, Dr. Flatt continues to guest lecture and direct graduate students.

   Dr. Glenn Burton (Professor, Agronomy) was awarded the FACS Appreciation Award, which goes to an individual who has demonstrated significant support of Family and Consumer Sciences. Dr. Burton’s support includes establishing the Glenn and Helen Burton Feeding the Hungry Scholarship and the International Study Award.

Kriya Reuter (BSFCS ’01, Consumer Journalism) was a winner in the Office of International Education’s Student Council on Globalization Photo Contest. Her photo was one of 89 entries and was taken in Monterosso, Italy, the fifth “terrace” town of Cinque Terre. Click here to see photo.