Denice Ferko-Adams, MPH, RD, LDN
Directorof the MacDonald Center for Obesity Prevention and Education
Villanova University College of Nursing
Registered dietitian Denice Ferko-Adams brings more than 20 years of clinical, community and worksite experience to serve as the director for the MacDonald Center for Obesity Prevention and Education based at the College of Nursing at Villanova University. Integrating her experience and passion for wellness and nutrition with a master’s degree in public health, she is a leader in the 75,000-member American Dietetic Association, receiving the 2009 ADA Excellence in Practice Award in Business and Consultation in recognition of her pioneering efforts in worksite wellness.
As president of her consulting company, Wellness Press, Ferko-Adams developed, implemented and evaluated weight, health and fitness campaigns reaching thousands of people with information to improve weight and reduce risk factors for metabolic syndrome. Her former clients include: Air Products, Bethlehem Steel Corporation, BMW of North America, EDS, Harley Davidson, Impact Health, Lehigh University, Lockheed Martin, Mack Trucks, Marywood University and many others.
“I am excited to help build a model center that will make a positive, lasting impact to improve our nation’s most preventable health problem: obesity. In adults and in children, the rise in obesity is linked to a rise in the prevalence of both diabetes and heart disease. It is commendable that Villanova University College of Nursing recognizes and strongly supports the significance of obesity prevention and education as solutions,” says Ferko-Adams.
The MacDonald Center will include the integration of evidence-based obesity topics into the College of Nursing curriculum, create partnerships with other health agencies, offer continuing education to health professionals and provide weight management resources and services that reach faculty, students and the community.
A nationally recognized speaker, Ferko-Adams has presented for many state and national professional conferences including the American Dietetic Association (ADA), Pennsylvania Dietetic Association, Healthier New York City and the 2011 New Jersey Governor’s Conference for Women. Ferko-Adams has served in many local, state and national leadership roles, including President of the Pennsylvania Dietetic Association. For the ADA Weight Management Dietetic Practice Group, Ferko-Adams was the 2011 Symposium Chair and is on the 2012 WM DPG Symposium Committee.
The Villanova University College of Nursing, established in 1953, is a nationally recognized premier nursing program under Catholic Augustinian auspices with a mission to create a synergy between compassion and clinical excellence. Designated a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing, the College provides a values-based undergraduate education grounded in the liberal arts and sciences that prepares students to assume positions as productive, ethical, and socially responsible citizens and leaders providing care in clinical and community settings. Its reputation is solidified by its rigorous, top-ranked graduate program to prepare advanced practice nurses, administrators and nurse educators; its environment for faculty and student scholarship; its respected continuing nursing education program and the leadership contributions of its students, faculty and alumni in nursing and health care around the world.
