For Jamie Merritt, MS (’25), RD, SNS, a career in nutrition wasn’t something she mapped out from day one. It grew naturally from her interests, experiences and a genuine desire to help others.
As a sophomore in college, Jamie was still undecided about her future. She knew she loved being active, enjoyed cooking and felt drawn to helping people improve their lives. When her parents suggested she look into nutrition and dietetics, everything clicked. “I immediately fell in love with it,” she said.
That led Jamie to earn a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from Fontbonne University in 2010, followed by a Master of Science in Dietetics from Eastern Illinois University in 2013. Years later, with a well-established career, she found herself ready to return to the classroom—this time with a clearer sense of purpose.
Jamie began exploring online graduate programs in nutrition and human performance, looking for something flexible but academically rigorous. A running friend, who also happened to be her chiropractor and a Logan University graduate, encouraged her to take a closer look at Logan’s program.
After speaking with Crissinnia Lambert, one of Logan’s academic success coaches, Jamie knew she had found the right fit. The program’s online structure, expectations and support aligned with her professional schedule and learning goals.
“When I started the program, it had been more than 10 years since my last college course,” Jamie said. “I wanted a refresher in dietetics, but also to expand my knowledge and really dive into a topic I’m passionate about.”
Jamie describes Logan’s Master of Science in Nutrition and Human Performance (MSNHP) as both grounding and eye-opening. The curriculum reinforced foundational concepts in human nutrition while allowing her to focus on more specialized populations and emerging areas of the field.
One course stood out above the rest: nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics.
“This was completely new to me,” she said. “During my undergraduate education, this topic wasn’t well developed. Learning how genetics and diet interact—and how that relationship can influence health—was incredibly impactful.”
The program’s structure also played a major role in her success. The self-guided format gave Jamie control over her schedule, making it possible to balance a full-time job, volunteer work as a running coach and a social life.
“I dedicated specific times each week to my studies,” she said, “but I had the flexibility to decide when those times occurred. That made all the difference.”
While the program is online, Jamie found it to be highly interactive. Faculty expectations were clearly defined from the start and many instructors encouraged consistent communication throughout each course.
“I learned the most from discussion boards,” she said. “They created space for meaningful conversations, not just with classmates, but with instructors as well.”
The diversity of the student body also shaped her experience. With classmates from around the world and courses that emphasized individualized care, Jamie gained a deeper appreciation for how cultural, genetic and lifestyle differences influence health outcomes.
As she moves forward, Jamie feels most confident in her ability to approach nutrition with both curiosity and compassion.
That mindset serves her well in her current role as a nutrition education specialist and dietitian for Opaa! Food Management, where she plans to continue expanding programming for young athletes and school-based sports teams.
For those considering Logan’s MSNHP program, Jamie offers simple but powerful advice: engage.
“Communicate with your instructors and classmates,” she said. “They truly want to help. Everyone in the program is there for the same reason—to improve lives.”
For Jamie, Logan’s MSNHP program wasn’t just another degree. It was an opportunity to reconnect with her passion, deepen her expertise and continue growing in a field she loves.